Readers: What’s your advice on ‘Tropic Thunder’?
August 4th, 2008Updates earlier posts here: ‘Sorry, Mr. Stiller … You’ve crossed the line’
And here: Once upon a time … There was a retard
With the August 13 release date for Ben Stiller’s “Tropic Thunder” still more than a week away, plans for the upcoming DVD are already being shared on the Internet.
Disability rights organizations have confirmed that a meeting with DreamWorks executives has been set for 5 p.m. Pacific time Wednesday to discuss the film’s depiction of people with disabilities.
But the studio ad campaign and distribution machine is already moving forward at full throttle. As movie prints and DVDs are being readied for distribution, will the meeting come too late for any changes to be made?
Readers, please send your advice: What should the disability rights organizations be asking for? What will make you feel better about a movie that advises: “Never go full retard”? All comments will be forwarded.
A starting point:
Here are some of the many suggestions I’ve heard over the past few days:
- Paramount/Dreamworks should pull all references to the words “retard,” “imbecile,” “moron” and “idiot” from the movie, DVD, trailers, promotional material and merchandising;
- Paramount/DreamWorks should pull all scenes and clips that include Ben Stiller’s portrayal of “Simple Jack” from the movie, DVD, trailers, promotional material and merchandising;
- Ben Stiller, DreamWorks and Paramount should apologize;
- Paramount/DreamWorks should commit to employing people with intellectual and other disabilities, with specific hiring goals;
- Paramount/Dreamworks should commit to consulting people with disabilities during the development process about scripts that portray them ;
- Paramount/DreamWorks should fund an advocate on behalf of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry; and
- Paramount/DreamWorks should contribute to disability rights causes a set portion of the film’s profits.
I’ve also heard from people who say that discussion of the film is premature until it can be viewed, that the disability community should not draw attention to the film by discussing its use of the word “retard”, and that boycotts and demonstrations should be considered.
What do YOU think?
Our RSS Feed
March 13th, 2009 at 3:51 am
The contrived political correctness here is nauseating. First of all, Tropic Thunder is not about making fun of people with mental handicaps, but rather to make fun of bad actors portraying people with mental handicaps to win oscars.
Secondly, by forcing artists and studios to self-censor, like you are, you not only violate their right to express themselves freely in this country; you also participate in creating an environment of walking on eggshells around issues, which may be ‘hurtful’ to a certain demographic (those without a sense of humor).
I for one do not want this country to revert back to the puritanical mind police world of the 50′s, and that is what I see you doing in collaboration with the MPAA.
Stay out of the business of controlling the flow of expression in America, no matter how you may feel about it in your easily bruised hearts. Censorship is evil, and so is political correctness. It is the tool of control freaks, used in the broad underlying desire to force your own trite opinions on the rest of the world.
That’s nazi Germany. That’s stalinist Russia. And that’s unwanted here!
November 1st, 2008 at 4:50 pm
its just a word, not the end of the world, i understand that is not the parent`s favorite word, because they suffer a lot raising their children with this kind of disability,but,there are a lot of things everyone must be angry with, like war in irak for example.
September 25th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Are you kidding? Your all nuts. Goofy guys are funny especially when they are drinking. I just wish the ones on phenolbarbitol were not allowed to bag groceries. I don’t mind that they break an egg or two or squish the chips bags with canned goods and I don’t even mind that they(males)stare at my breasts the entire time but I do mind when they drool on my shopping bags.
Regarding the starting points, you are right. Paramount and Dreamworks should employ those with special needs. In fact, they should be in the movies. No comedy is truly complete without one. How about this… imagine a reality TV series with the mentally challenged. A house full of Corkys with tons of beer and all the jello they can eat. Now thats a show.
Tropic Thunder was nothing. Ever heard of Slo Mo the Rapping R—-d? Check this out. http://www.iamlost.com/features/slomo/
September 6th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
In response to this Sept. 3rd comment by Chuck -
It’s a comedy movie that is rated R. If you don’t like the adult content (humor) don’t pay $$ to see it. No one is forcing you to watch anything! Pretty simple…
There are bigger fish in the sea to worry about!
************************************************
I heartily disagree. When people with disabilities are treated as “lesser” citizens or as sub-human… this encourages a degrading of their existence. This is similar to a film ENCOURAGING racism or ENCOURAGING rape.
I have a special needs child so I don’t have time to review all of the responses. But it saddens me to think a film may come out that encourages people to look down, and in some cases look down further than they already do, at my child. He is a terrific human being just as he is.
To the producers of this film – I have seen the actors in the film “Tropic Thunder” in other bodies of work. I do not want to see them in this body of work and it will affect how I view them and those who support them and those who have made this film possible if anything is shown to degrade my child. A slow mind, crooked teeth, big ears, unique stride etc. are things that people can’t always control. Elevate your thinking and your work and you will elevate the human race.
Sincerely, Ali in Poplar Grove, IL
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
It’s a comedy movie that is rated R. If you don’t like the adult content (humor) don’t pay $$ to see it. No one is forcing you to watch anything! Pretty simple…
There are bigger fish in the sea to worry about!
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Lets get over this sensetivity that is poisoning our culture. Sometimes its good to make fun of our differences…most movies do it all the time. They make fun of the rich, the poor, black, white, Indians, Jews, gays, etc,etc …. when did it become wrong to poke a little fun at people with disabilities. It was a small part of the movie (funny at that!)….Come on!!!! lets learn to laugh, and stop making a big fuss out of nothing! Then maybe you can get some good done, instead of a pointless crusade.
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:49 am
I think the resulting blogs are nearly as fun as the film. The filmmaker couldn’t have asked for better publicity than a n entire group of Simple Jacks to raise a fuss at the premier. One thing I’d have to say for the retards is that they’ve got a brilliant sense of timing. They–along with creative comedy and fun storytelling–pushed the film over the top.
Who can ignore a moron flipping out and parroting some slogan s/he can’t come up with or even explain?
Of course, we all hear that some folks are insisting that movie makers employ morons or retards, but the leaders of ARC are all non-retards. Let’s take a look at that.
Please keep it up. It’s a hoot.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
The fight for human decency is a long, difficult and continuous fight. It seems sometimes that it’s not in our genetic makeup, as human beings, to do the decent thing. It seems that it is our innate response to make fun of, diminish, hate, ridicule and belittle those that are different then ourselves. Over the last century one group after another has had to forge, independently, a path in our society to achieve respect and equality. Whether Jewish, a woman or a person of color this path has been hard fought. And yet even when so many battles have been fought and won we continue to seek out someone else to abuse. We seem to have a need, a thirst for it; a need to have someone beneath us to look down on. Or we are just clueless and just don’t get it.
There is something very basic here; something fundamental that we are missing and which makes us who we are and explains why we do the things we do. Some argue that “everyone is offended by something” and I believe that is absolutely true. The key here is that we are only offended by that which we have a personal relationship with, something that has impacted our lives personally. We though don’t care much about the other fellow. This makes us very self centered. Some are offended by racial slurs, some ethnic jokes, some by gender prejudice, some by smoking, some by drinking, some by child abuse, some by animal abuse, some are offended by the lack of concern for the environment; everyone has an issue, a concern, a hot button, something they are closely connected to and care deeply and passionately about. If I make fun of your kid, your wife, your mother you might not think it funny. If I make fun of your weight, your economic status, your job, your home, your intelligence, you might not think it funny and that’s because their yours.
The key word here is empathy; to care for someone else as much as we might care for ourselves. I think that this culture lacks empathy and compassion. There are those who care more about their right to laugh at someone then how that someone might feel.
If only we were all equally capable and able to put ourselves into the body and mind of another human being and see the world through their eyes we would never hesitate to do the decent and kind thing. Unfortunately it is only those of us that have someone close to us who suffers from a disability that care about this issue. It is our love for them that builds the bridge of empathy and compassion and makes it possible for us to feel in every cell of our bodies the pain that this can cause.
It should not be hard for a Jew to understand the racial hatred perpetrated on the blacks, or a black man to understand the 2nd class citizenship placed on women; but it is. For each of these groups of human beings sees their issue in an isolated perspective and for some reason their issue doesn’t readily translate to the other; so all of these people may be at the movie and laughing heartily at the retard. Some of these people are good people in every other respect and have no idea of the pain they are causing.
His holiness the Dalai Lama says that Compassion for all things is the key to resolving all the issues that face humanity. Then there was a man once who said ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Yes, everyone is offended by something and we need to care if we want to be civilized and decent fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, neighbors and human beings.
August 20th, 2008 at 7:11 am
When is a movie just a movie? When is a word, just a word. We all know the pen is mightier than the sword. I feel, when the writer choose his subject matter, he choose to make it more than just a movie. It also shows what lack of talent these people truly possess when they need to pick on those who are the weakest.
I have a Special Needs child, he has autism and have felt the heartache and left many playgrounds with clenched jaws holding back tears so my children wouldn’t see my pain, as my son is being called a ‘retard’ or ‘hey is he stupid or something’. It’s not a big deal for those who don’t have special needs children, but for those of us that do, each day is a challenge. Special needs children have to work harder than all ‘typical’ or ‘normal’ children and have hours of therapies. They are ostracized and so are their siblings and family. You with normal children, will never have to sit your six year old daughter down and explain that your older brother is autistic and thats why he tunes you out and ignores you all day. And that’s why the other kids make fun of him.
So you with a ‘NORMAL’ family can laugh and/or justify these simply words by saying it’s just a movie, but it’s more than that – it’s a slippery slope that says on a grand big budget scale “HEY IT’S OK TO MAKE FUN OF THESE PEOPLE”. As adults we can see the satire of the movie, but teenagers and younger children will not, they will simply see “hey adults call other retard, I guess I can too. And instead of teaching compassion and understanding of others who are different that ourselves, we will go backwards in spreading and accepting ignorance and indifference.
August 18th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
i just have to say wow you NORMAL people seem more challenged than any really challenged person. if it dosen’t affect you or your perfect happy go lucky life then it just dosen’t even matter. my 6 yr. old daughter has down syndrome. and you don’t see what she has to go through every single day of her life. yeah it might be funny to some people to see it in a movie once and never think about it again but when you see someone you love go through it every single day it’s not so funny. this is just is mean and heartless. even if it is just making fun of actors, you don’t see many movies about someone with a disibality who are welcomed into society and treated NORMAL, only stupid movies that think that’s it is ok to portray disabled people as retards! my ds daughter is disabled but she is no retard! funny movies are great, but not when they are about something that is taken so lightly to some. but yet again, all the NORMAL people who say oh just get over it and suck it up, if you have to stoop that low just to get a laugh then we couldn’t expect you to understand, your NORMAL little brain probably couldn’t begin to process what we go through every single day and night. so what’s the point?
August 18th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Oh, yeah, I almost forgot what I had originally wanted to point out:
I find it interesting that The ARC no longer wishes to be called by its fomer name, The Association of Retarded Citizens. So instead of doing away with it entirely, they go by the acronym. Reminds me of what Kentucky Fried Chicken did when the word “Fried” was demonized.
But then, I guess that would be comparing apples and oranges…
August 18th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I got to this site by way of following links…I am a Master’s level Social Worker and a registered Democrat. I have over 15 years experience with the developmentally challenged population, mostly as a behavioral clinician in supported living programs (as well as families who bravely support their loved ones at home)…I thought this movie was HILARIOUS!! Please, please, please stop comparing the use of the word “nigger” to “retard”. It’s like comparing apples and oranges. Offensive is offensive. If you felt offended, then that’s how you felt, I won’t argue with that. As a flaming homosexual, I have learned that the opportunity to be offended will never go away. HOWEVER, my choice in accepting the offensive words is what truly makes it hurtful. People can call me faggot all day long. If I choose to participate in the abuse by perceiving myself as a victim, then I continue to be abused. If I see the taunts as they really are — uninformed rants from ego-compromised, yet-to-be-fully-actualized, narrow minds — then I am no longer a victim, but simply an observer of psycho-social ills.
The problem with this cognitive-behavioral self-imposed intervention is that it is rather complicated and difficult to teach to those who are intellectually challenged. HOWEVER, it is possible to teach people to own their differences to the point where the “offensive words” no longer have power. Which is the very reason why you see people of a minority status using what would otherwise be considered epithets had they been used by anyone else.
So instead of exacerbating an already difficult life-experience by insisting on politically correct labels, teach your loved ones to embrace their limits with as much understanding as possible. In this way, they won’t misunderstand the innocent behavior of others as malicious.
August 18th, 2008 at 7:55 am
You people are pathetic retards.
Yeah, that’s right, I said it. RETARD.
Protesting will not get you anywhere, the movie will still be successful as it is today. When will you retards(yeah, I said it again) learn that Simple Jack was not making fun of ACTUAL people with disabilities, it’s making fun of actors who would play such a role to win an oscar.
You people are nothing but a bunch of attention whores. You protest over ONE small piece in the movie, and you call the WHOLE film bad.
We should boycott the boycotters, because there is NO SUCH FRIGGIN’ THING AS THE R-WORD!!! The protesters make that crap up for attention.
Dreamworks, do not buy into their bullcrap. They don’t know what Simple Jack is REALLY making fun of. Keep all your jokes in the film. No apology is needed. You must tell them the REAL purpose of the joke, so that these RETARDS can under-freakin-stand it!
August 17th, 2008 at 10:34 am
I have seen the movie 3 times already and I can’t stop laughing. I think it’s offensive that you start off mentioning the discussion about Robert Downey Jr. in blackface. The blackface term stems from the days of the minstrel shows, where white men donned black paint on their face and red lips to imitate the blacks in america. Robert Downey Jr, is actually in brown face per se, the same things that those of lighter color do when they stay out on the beach trying to get darker. In this movie we are watching a conversation that is advice to Ben Stiller’s character from Robert Downey Jr’s character. Funny. Didn’t anyone see Garden State where Natalie Portman’s character calls out Zach Braff’s character in a movie where she asks him if he’s really retarded.
Dialogue:
Sam: Hey, I recognize you.
Andrew Largeman: Oh, did you go to Columbia High?
Sam: No, not from high school, from TV. Didn’t you play the retarded quarterback?
Andrew Largeman: Yeah.
Sam: Are you really retarded?
Andrew Largeman: No.
Sam: Ooh, great job man! I really thought you were retarded. I mean, you’re better than that Corky kid and he’s actually retarded. If there was a retarded Oscar you would win, like hands down, kick his ass!
I think were the same number of retards in the movie. Though he was also referred to as Simple Jack…
August 16th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I go full homo every chance I get. Grrr..
August 16th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Being a homosexual radio producer, I do not think that calling someone names is very nice. No no no no. Grrr…
August 16th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
August 15, 2008
An Open Letter To DreamWorks
Dear Madam or Sir:
I am writing to say how offended I am by the use of the word “retard” in your film “Tropic Thunder”. I had had every intention of seeing this movie as none of the advertisements for it have mentioned the storyline where this word is bandied about in casual conversation. Now that I’ve learned of the storyline from the many quotations I have read, I have no intention of throwing away my money to be offended.
You took pains to make sure the role Robert Downey, Jr. was playing would not be offensive (rightfully so), but did not care, even after disability groups met with you and told you, that millions of people with disabilities would be demeaned by your “satire”. You don’t seem to realize or care that kids will use your movie as another reason to take a derogatory term and use it as acceptable slang. My understanding is that you were even going to use the word in marketing products! Were you serious?! It takes us back to the day when the “n” word was thrown about casually as acceptable speech. Believe it or not, words make a difference. I have a child with a disability and I find the use of the word by intelligent people (including film studio executives, writers and actors) as an acceptable part of speech or as an attempt at humor both disheartening and infuriating.
Furthermore, your attempt at satire missed its mark as you don’t go away from the theatre only thinking about the actors who play the roles of disabled people. You go away with a view of the disabled that is held up as funny and demeaning. My understanding is that you tried hard to make sure that Mr. Downey’s character does not leave audiences with a demeaning view of African-Americans but with a view of his Caucasian character’s audacity to think he should or could play such a role. The same care should have been taken with the disabled storyline. Shame on you.
Laurie
August 16th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Lighten up, retards!
August 16th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Welcome to Communist China and the abolition of the First Amendment! I’m sick of all the whiners on these message boards who want all this censorship. Why don’t you move to Communist Cuba if you want the authorities to censor everything someone deems offensive. No matter what, someone is always going to be offended by something, so people should never make any movies.
And please, stop talking about the children! This is an “R” rated movie and children aren’t supposed to be seeing this movie anyway. That is why there are ratings, so you can personally censor what you don’t want in your house. This is a movie which is a farce, and people are taking this way to seriously. Retarded people are RETARDED! They have a mental disorder. Butch up, Sallys!
August 15th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Now I have seen this movie,
I think it is one of the best movies if not THE best movie of the year. All these parents are getting so p***y over a word, when really they need to shut-the-f****-up, its a word, alright get over it, your the ones making retard babies, maybe you should be made fun of. natural selection is supposed to fix this but noooo, we have to be humane to a child. I dont care what you say, im a human being too, i get to say what i want, and when did retard become a bad word? its called mental retardation, people have been using words out of context for a long time and this one is just another example.
August 14th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I’ll never forget the day my two adult sons were arguing. One told the other, “I’m no retard!” My nine-year-old daughter, who has Down syndrome had come into the room just then and began to cry. “I know. I am. I sorry,” she told her brothers, who were devastated at what had just happened. Later my daughter and I talked about bad names. I explained that “retarded” meant she had to try harder than anyone else, and that she is my hero. Suck eggs, Ben Stiller, and see if I buy any more of your movies.
August 14th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Patricia – glad you have a “cause.” However, am more offended with the “F” word and the like everyone uses more than the “R” word. Used to be a day when men only cussed on the job or in the presence of other men. Now, we have nasty mouth men, women, and children who think these words are okay because television, radio, movies, etc. use them constantly.
Have you ever made it your “cause” to stomp out profanity?
Someone using the “R” word is making a small social blunder because if you are really retarded, then you don’t know any better and are not likely out in the mainstream.
People with Down Syndrome are not “R,” and the majority of people know this, so why are you making a big production out of this movie and connecting dots to dots when there is no need. You in your own way are telling DS people they are retarded. Is this the way you really want them to feel?
Shame on you.
Leave it be and let it have its phase – it will soon be gone.
RS Johnson
August 14th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Patricia-
I counted the use of the “R” word today on your news appearance (The M and J Morning Show) at least 10 times. So, if you want to “remove all references” then you have crossed the line by using the word yourself. Now, interestingly enough the station did not post the video on its news site as promised; instead they posted a George Lopez clip. I have to wonder why.
I’ve noticed how people seem to want to compare the “R” word to the “N” word. If we want to continue this comparison, what you’ve done would be the same. We shouldn’t say the “N” word” but then using the word in its entirety almost a dozen times on-air and uncensored. If that is not exploitation to make a point, I don’t know what is.
As a special education teacher I have seen the “lingo” of the industry change to be politically correct over the last few years, yet the definitions have stayed the same. It doesn’t matter if you say your daughter has Down Syndrome or if you say she is intellectually challenged, or even if you use the old terms to say she is mildly mentally handicapped/r-. It is still the same, the capacity of these individuals is less then the normal bell curve of intelligence. What interests me is that even though you are complaining about how horrible Ben Stiller was to use the “r” word in his movie, I didn’t hear you complain about how in the public education system these very students are being told they cannot possibly go to a university. That they can be in the education profession because they don’t have the mental aptitude, or in any job that requires a higher functioning cognitive ability. Perhaps you could direct your campaign to worthwhile causes such as allowing an adult with any of these intelligence challenges to take jobs as doctors, lawyers, educators, nurses, aides, and so forth. Why should they be held back because the nation feels they can do nothing but flip burgers, and be exploited by their loved ones who are only seeking to make a buck by suing in the name of the “victims” benefit.
Watching the entire display today on the M and J Morning show I was appalled and sickened by what was said by the so called “advocates.” What better way to exploit. And if people truly think that Johnny Knoxville has not uttered the “R” word or genuinely has concerned for the intellectually disabled, I find that very difficult to believe, because up to this point in time I’ve never heard his name mentioned in the special education advocacy groups. In fact, Johnny Knoxville is one of the stars of the movie and TV series “Jackass”. That certainly seems like an insult to people with cognitive disabilities to me, and at the very least implies some level of cognitive disability.
And how many of those with cognitive disabilities who are protesting the movie understand what and why they are protesting, and how many of them are simply being exploited by their friends/families/advocates just to have five minutes of fame and win a couple of bucks in a law suit.
August 13th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
To Connie Marie,
I am not allowing anything – people are free to speak as they choose. It may hurt people’s feelings sometimes, but that is a small price for freedom of speech.
You are right, most were institutionalized back when my great uncle was alive. When I first met him I was quite young, and I didn’t see anything different about him. At that point he was living with family. Later on he was institutionalized; it wasn’t a pleasant place to visit.
I grew up in New England, I’m half Hispanic and when I was young I was rather fat – trust me I’ve heard some interesting things. Should I go out on a crusade for people name calling fat Hispanic kids? It’s part of life, and trust me “I” felt it. I was quite aware of what people were saying. I’m not so oversensitive I can’t take a personal joke, however I hand it right back. I’d rather people be carefree than so hypersensitive they don’t say more than hi and bye because they don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.
I do appreciate your cordial reply.
Dan
August 13th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Simple WHAT????
Simply sue.
I have already contacted Gloria Allred on my son’s behalf, and look forward to the platform this will offer those who cannot otherwise speak for themselves easily.or at all.
Please contact Gloria Allred and join this Army of Champions of the END OF STIGMA.
Targeting such an innocent and vulnerable (AND GREATLY STIGMATIZED ALREADY) segment of our population has to be turned into an AWARENESS RAISING OPPORTUNITY.
Or is it ok with you that the majority of handicapped persons don’t have life you could even LOOK AT?
Been to a Group Home lately? A state hospital?
Donated time or money to help those who you laugh at?
Do you think they CHOOSE to have these challenges?
Where do you think they can turn for advocacy?
Not only do NOT see the j-word (junk) movie…but think a lot, folks-
As they say , ‘when they came for the Jews, i was not Jewish, so i said nothing.’
They just came after my son,and YOUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS, so I’ve got to defend him.Will YOU?
If you can turn away when you see ‘us’ out there, if you can continue to not hire, not understand, not care and just use your uneducated ‘humor’ to deal with Mental Illness, or Developmental Disabilities, or Cerebral Palsy…
Then go see this film with a Foster kid, or be a Big Brother/Big Sister to an affected kid OR ADULT…by all means, when they begin to cry, do something besides
TURN AWAY.
YOU cry.YOU.
Because in our lifetimes, over 70 percent of us will HAVE a cognitive or physical disability.
Unless you think it’s funny. Funny enough to push a blind person into traffic, funny enough to pin a note to a deaf kid’s shirt and sit her in a hallway, funny enough to well, hey, lock them up for the rest of their lives in a group home..
WHERE THE FAVORITE OUTING OF CHOICE IS A MOVIE ADVENTURE.
SHAME ON DREAMWORKS, SHAME ON STILLER, SHAME ON ANYONE WHO STOOPS TO THIS DEPTH AND CARES NOT.
They better get lawyered up pretty quick. And learn the only way that truly ‘handicapped’ (read ‘soul-less) people learn.
If you are a parent with the same idea, don’t be silent-I know your days and nights are already full of 24 hour caring for precious members of our world-I am one of you-
CALL your local theatre and EMAIL Dreamworks and PROTEST the best way you can-do NOT let your child see movies that include the trailers for this-which will keep us ALL out of the theatre…
Because they went there.Now they can pay for it. We do. And thanks to their mega-status….THEY CAN PAY NOW.
Jerry Stiller? GO GET YOUR KID AND TEACH HIM WHAT MATTERS IN LIFE.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:57 am
The R word is just as offensive as the N word. As the mother of a child with an intellectual disability, I find Tropic Thunder as offensive, disgusting and downright crude. And for Paramount to allow such trash on the screen is a disgrace!! I will not spend money on this movie nor will I ever go see a movie made by Paramount.
And for those who think its “no big deal”…..get real!! This is the problem with society!! They think it’s okay to teach our children to conduct themselves in a hate crime manner!!
August 13th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Being a caseworker at a childrens home for more than 8 years, working with children of whom are mental challenge, or ofter look like you and I, but organically what was suppose to happen in the brain did not. The children I have worked with face enough peer pressure from children whom are perfectly normal and do not realize how blessed they are to be normal. Those normal children have enough idea’s about name calling, making fun of, and treating these children different. I believe this movie’s name will give more idea’s. I can see the kids coming in my office now upset. I wish they would re-think this.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:14 am
As a school attorney and the mother of a lovely teenage daughter with autism, I am proud of all of the work this website and all others have done to call attention the reckless indifference many have towards our most vulnerable citizens.
Keep speaking up! Evil will flourish when good people do nothing. All of you have slowed down the Hollywood juggernaut, and at least forced those accountable to explain themselves. And unless I’m imagining it, Mr. Stiller, et al, seem rather put out that they are being questioned on this at all!
As we say in litigation: you might not win, but don’t make it free!
BOYCOTT
August 13th, 2008 at 6:14 am
I think you people are way out of line. It’s a movie, which is entertainment and ultimately, free speech. The only recourse you should have is to NOT see it. Dreamworks doesn’t owe you an apology, they don’t owe you money and they certainly don’t own you anything for your self-serving sense of entitlement. You’ve only hurt your position in my eyes, not helped it. Further, the movie doesn’t endorse making fun of people with disabilities, it’s pointing out that people are getting rich in Hollywood by selling you, the very same people complaining, lame movies about people with disabilities under the veil of trying to do some good. No they aren’t. They are trying to milk you for cash. You missed the point on ALL fronts, and quite frankly detracting from what looks to be a funny film. Please just shut up and if you don’t want to see the film, don’t see it. Your only adding to their publicity by complaining. Get it? You missed that too… Amateurs.
August 12th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
The R-word is absolutely every bit as harmful a word as the N-word. This is not about being politically correct. You may not care about what language is used to describe people if it doesn’t affect you. Let me tell you that the effect that this word and many other labels have on people with disabilities isn’t about whineing and complaining. The effects are very real. People have been killed because of this word, same as the N-word. There are also very real barriers to inclusion as a part of society. Get over it? How can we, it is shouted in the ear of anyone who might even appear to have a cognitive disability, and even many whose disability is physical every day of our lives. It affects what choices we have in our lives, and even whether or not we are allowed to have the basic human rights that everyone else can take for granted. Shame on Ben Stiller,Shame on Dreamworks pictures, and shame for that matter on anyone who uses that term lightly, as if it is a joke, because it is not! It is an ugly word that conotes that the 200 million people around the world, who have developmental disabilities are something less than human. It is total disrespect at its core! This kind of disrespect has no place in entertainment.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Ben Stiller
Needs to be Educated about People with Disabilities and the Name Retared because it will hurt a lot of People with Disabities to see that Movie. and Ben’s Parents need to watch what he is saying this and he needs to have his mouth out with soap and that is no Joke talking about People With Disabilities for any body with a disabilities
Lucy odden
anchorage, Alaska
August 12th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Speaking as an autistic, retard is an extremely offensive word, as offensive as nigger. Most disabled people seem to agree with me. It may not bother some as much, but it still generally should not be used. And as for the people who say that ‘it’s just a joke’, you have no idea what you are talking about. I saw someone write that blacks and jews are made fun of, and since they take it, so should we. The fact is, these minorities have made much more progress against racism and prejudice than disabled people. Yes, they still have a long way to go, but not as far as the disabled. Retard is still used as a common insult, whereas if someone uses nigger, they are pretty much in their own minority.
As for the film, I won’t pass judgement until I hear a statement from Ben Stiller explaining himself. Only then can I accurately tell how the movie is offensive.
August 12th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Laugh at ourselve, fine. I agree laugh at yourself, but don’t laugh at, ridicule, put down, degrade others as this movie does. I have a child with Down Syndrome and I too am very offended by the use of the word retard to describe an individual with a mental handicap, as well as the message this movie is sending. Parents of children with disabilities have fought long and hard to dispel the stereotypes placed on our children. We have fought to get them included in basis things like school. We have fought and still are fighting to get acceptance for them in society. I have seen through out the years that my child is in school a big difference in the way he has been treated through out the years. The grade school kids are very accepting and welcoming. They took the disabled kids under their wings and helped them along, encourage them on and included them. Then you get into Jr High, teen age years, they are less accepting and the teasing starts. In high school I see less and less acceptance and more cruelty. This movie is only fostering cruel treatment of the disabled community. These actors are looked up to and emulated by young people who are still being shaped into the adults they will become. To have these actors make choices like doing a movie in such poor taste only reinforces to the audience its ok to make fun of a group of people unable to defend themselves. Its NOT OK…
I agree these actors would not be doing this movie if their children were disabled.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
I love Ben Stiller & Jack Black and still do but they are not using good judgement in their choice of roles or to associate themselves with what is in this film. It does matter. Words do matter and then hurt people. They surely arent promoting a good view of people with intellectual disabilities. I don’t think it is a matter of being “thick skinned”. Races would not like it if they were called derogatory words so why should the disabled community put up with it? I am the mom of a child with an undiagnosed disability. http://www.mysnugly.com I did write the people involved with this film and told them how I feel. Now, I don’t think it will change them, but as an American we surely have freedom of speech. Come on now, you guys are funny…do you have such a mental block in your minds that you have to sink to poking fun of people with disabilities for your comedy? Hey, I can be offended and not like what they have put out and still be cordial to these people. I don’t have a problem with that. I am called to love. I do think someday they will realize what they have done. If not here then on the other side of life.
August 11th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
As the mother of a downs syndrome child, it is offensive to me, anytime anyone uses the “R” word. It is hurtful, and uncalled for. If everyone could have a retarded child, then it probably wouldn’t be funny to anyone. It is no laughing matter to constantly have your child be made fun of, or laughed at, for something that they cannot control. It is becoming the word of choice in lots of other TV movies, and as soon as I hear the word, I turn the channel, and never watch the show again. I truly hope the movie is a big flop, and I will never support a movie that Ben Stiller is in, again. Maybe someday, he too, will have a retarded child, he won’t be laughing so hard, then.
August 11th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Hollywood shouldn’t use the words imbecile, moron, idiot or retard? Oh come on!! I cannot think of anyone who does not use those words as part of normal conversation.
They are virutally never used to insult or imply insult to people with disabilities.
This is political correctness gone far awry, as has happened in so many cases over the last decade or so.
Word and thought police will have us speaking in Big Brother-ese soon, as every word seems to be insulting to someone, somewhere.
I plead with Dreamworks not to change a thing. Don’t give into this culture of victimhood or extreme oversensitivity.
I hope this is indeed shared with the execs there, who thank goodness still want to make funny movies.
I adore Ben Stiller (see him make fun of himself, brilliantly, in the first season of “extras”) and we should all lighten up, realize that to laugh at ourselves is maybe a good thing and get on with something more important to worry about.
August 11th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
First of all, I will admit that I have not seen this movie, nor will I do so. So I am speaking from reading about it and reseaching it alone.
I am the mother of a severely disabled child who is greatly offended not only by the movie using the word Retard to degrade those in our community that cannot defend themselves. But I am also offended by those on here that say things like “it’s just a movie” or “freedom of speech” or “get a sense of humor”. Since when it is humorous to make fun of those people who didn’t make the choice to live these lives?
You don’t see movies using the “n” word anymore, because the african americans in today’s society would be “up in arms” about it. And rightly so.
But people feel that it is ok and even funny to use retard to make fun of a community that can’t be “up in arms” about it, simply because they can’t speak.
Well, I can speak for my son and I will do so on this topic.
Freedom of speech is so that people can speak their minds, but no where in the first amendment will you find anything about it being ok to demean others or to make light of everyday struggles of others.
My husband is a United States Marine and he DOES in fact fight for our rights and freedoms, but if you ask him…..he fights to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Furthermore he fights to defend those from the onslaught of abuse of people who feel they can twist the wording of any amendment to fit their needs in making fun of others.
I would like to see the “movie within the movie” entitled “Once there was a Retard” taken out of the movie along with a public apology from Ben Stiller and the production team of this movie.
They obviously do not have a special needs child and have no idea what we as parents go through to fight for our children. We want for them what everyone else wants for their kids, happiness and respect. Our children fight daily just to survive. They put up with being stared at, pointed at, made fun of, called names and generalized about. We don’t need Hollywood making light of this struggle.
I hope they see that this is hurtful, not funny. I am so offended in fact, that I refuse to see any other movies put out with Ben Stiller and Jack Black in them.
I hope that they can see our argument and at least apologize to our community.
August 11th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I think that people are getting way too worked up about this whole thing. It’s a movie, for God’s sake!
They’re sending up movies that actually are offensive about people with mental disabilities. I’m disgusted to see all the posts on this page talking about how the movie should be banned or boycotted. Grow a sense of humor, people! I understand that mental disabilities are no laughing matter, but you people are annoying, ************* fuddy duddies.
I have a member of my family who has mental disabilities, and I have confidence in these actors that they can pull this off. And please, you people haven’t even seen the movie yet! Sheesh.
August 11th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
The offensive part here truly is the word… I believe the African-American community take similar offense to the word “nig*er” regardless of satirical liberties. “Dumb and Dumber” did not label themselves as poignantly as individuals with disabilities versus a couple of moronic post-adolescents… the audience was left to determine that level for themselves. Dreamworks and Paramount clearly provide that determination for their audience with these type of labels.
August 11th, 2008 at 10:58 am
It would certainly be great if we could get someone like Ben Stiller to get on the bandwagon with us rather than make fun of the developmentaly disabled. They are some of the most deserving people who are being targeted for more cost reduction from our state and local authorities right now.
Instead of ridiculing them for things that are beyond their control, if the movie industry were to get behind a movement to help fund the needs of the developmentally disabled perhaps we could make our world a better, safer place for them.
None of them chose to be in this category but they are, and as such are in need of care, as well as, the funding for at least a minimal life.
Please help – don’t hurt!
August 11th, 2008 at 8:29 am
After reading this article, I was saddened to realize what little progress this country has made in the area of civil rights for those with disabilities. This would be totally unacceptable for any other population, and because Hollywood and Mr. Stiller choose to pick the most vulnerable among us, it is a sad day indeed.
It should be extremely hard for anyone with any intelligence to imagine a theater full of people, laughing at a person with developmental disabilities.
August 11th, 2008 at 8:13 am
How a person is labeled reflects how a person is treated by a society. This is not a silly issue over politically correct terminology. When we as a society feel comfortable mocking groups of individuals is also when we as a society feel comfortable keeping those individuals in a marginalized or dependent state.
Hollywood today is under constant critique for racist or sexist images just as society today is being forced to tear down old racial and gender barriers.
That persons with disabilities can still be mocked happens in a society when persons with disabilities are marginalized by keeping them from voting, forcing them into group “homes” and closed workshops instead of allowing and supporting them to live and work in their communities.
August 11th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Okay, I’ve heard enough about the movie now to think it probably is nothing but offensive. My concern is the effectiveness of our response. Simply protesting a movie is probably going to backfire. People will just lump us with all the other offended groups with no sense of humor. We need to do it, certainly, but it should be part of a larger proactive campaign. And that campaign shouldn’t focus on the R word, because that’s just a small part of the issue and will also backfire. Our message is already confusing on that issue, even in our own community. In any event, this movie will be forgotten soon. A campaign for civil rights for people with ID in the media should happen long before the next movie comes along.
August 11th, 2008 at 6:32 am
I myself haven’t seen the movie yet, and I admire Ben Stiller for most movies that he does. But with this one, right from the get go the “Dreamworks” company are already putting a bad taste in my mouth. I don’t appreciate the wording on the front of the movie cover, “Once upon a Time….There was a retard,” just not cool at all. We turn on the news everyday and see hatred towards each other why does it have to be in the movies, come on now, I want to laugh, but not at someone else’s demeanor, it’s just plain WRONG.
Alexandra Bruneau
August 10th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I just thought I would chime in here with my own thoughts in the matter.
While I fear that as a society we are becoming too dependent on making everything as non-offensive and bland as possible, I also feel that it is a lot about context. Myself, I often make cracks that a certain individual seems like he or she is legally retarded, but I do so based on their actions or the ideas they put forth. A good example of a comedian doing this would be Darrell Hammond on the Celebrity Jeopardy sketches of Saturday Night Live. He does so in response to a lengthy babble by an impersonated Robin Williams that makes no sense and would merely be annoying if not for this response.
Point being that sometimes calling a person retarded can be a very good thing, given the context. After being diagnosed with a form of autism around my twenty-fifth birthday, and being left to rot for not appearing disabled enough by my government in the meantime, I find that calling mainstream society’s approach to dealing with autism and the autistic “retarded” is incredibly fitting. Pointing out why even turns the whole thing around and places the burden of justification on what I frequently refer to as the normies.
So rather than merely beg DreamWorks to change their film (which I know is not going to happen) or their marketing materials (which is unlikely), why not mount a campaign of your own. Point out to the public who do not know that DreamWorks is literally retarded (WordNet: “relatively slow in *mental* or *emotional* or physical development” (emphasis mine)) when it comes to proper understanding of neurological issues or conditions. Educate the public about the nature of retardation or Down’s Syndrome or other associated neurological conditions that certain elements want you to believe are “baaaaaad”. Ask people like DreamWorks’ owners what they think of the fact that Pauline and Hermann Einstein were once told that their son Albert, who had already exhibited delayed speech development and an inability to devote his attention to anything other than theorical physics, was retarded.
It is this last point that is especially important. You might be tempted to think that by hounding DreamWorks about this film, you will cause people to think “wow, I should not joke about or make fun of the retarded, then”. It just does not work like that. If people are allowed to remain ignorant, they will do so, and ignorance is a major foundation of prejudice. Take the time to inform those around you, and the change in our world that we all seek may just happen yet.
Finally, Tropic Thunder is just one film of many financed and filmed by Paramount and DreamWorks. The best people to take up outrage against the content with are the screenwriters, the directors, the leading actors, and most importantly the companies that pay to be associated with the film. Not to mention the people who actually run the companies. Protesting a faceless entity, which is basically what DreamWorks and Paramount are, is like throwing mud at a wall.
August 10th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Keyser, People who see Ben Stiller’s farce-comedies go not because they’re looking for deep political messages. They go to laugh. They expect to be entertained. So I think there will be a lot of people who are not going to feel “entertained” after viewing this movie because of the special liberties he took with his portrayal of Simple Jack and ongoing “retard” gags regardless of the message he hoped to convey. I think people are going to walk out and say he went way overboard. I think he will lose his credibility for the cheap shots he took.
The ends simply do not justify the means. That’s history 101.
August 10th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I think, Keyser Soze, that you may not have a child who will be discriminated against in a playground because of their mental differences. I think that a statement like ‘Grow thicker skin and move on with your lives’ is evidence that you do not actually know what this discussion is about. I think that you fail to appreciate that most commenters here have already grown thicker skin, and this discussion IS them moving on with their lives. I think that perhaps you are too far removed from the people who risk being hurt by this characterisation to be able to add meaningfully to the discussion. Enjoy your movies by all means, but be aware of their power and their context for people other than yourself.
August 10th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Wow. We are really a bunch of over-sensitive people, aren’t we?
The “full retard” scene does not make fun of people with mental disabilities. That scene makes fun of Hollywood actors who take roles like that because of their Oscar potential. The film is about Hollywood (think “The Player” meets Appatow).
Grow thicker skin and move on with your lives. There are far more pressing problems in the world than what is being said in a bloody movie.
August 10th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Movies do leave poweful impressions, or they wouldn’t be a billion dollar industry.
As a mother of a 5-year-old with DS, it is important for these individuals to be viewed with compassion and not ridicule. Those who make light of the word retard may not realize they are promoting bullying.
Bullying is defined as vicitimizing a single person who is incapable of defending himself or herself and has become a serious issue in our society and should not be tolerated for the sake of a laugh.
Free speech? Or good taste? Expressing your opinion is one thing, but when you are selling it, that changes everything. Dreamworks has already proven they can do better than this.
August 10th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I agree with everything that is said above. I have a cousin who has Down Syndrome and it is not right to make fun of people with disablities. I believe that they need to fully remove these offensive words from this movie and perhaps any other movies in the future that could possibly insult disabled people.
August 10th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Whether or not my being offended by the use of the word retard matters to the users of this hurtful term, I must speak up on behalf of those who can’t defend themselves.
Even though I personally find your insensitive attempt at humor cheap, classless, heartless and thoroughly unfunny, I realize this is your best.
I know not all humor appeals to all audiences, but it would be nice to draw the line at cruelty. This has nothing to do with the right to free speech. This is about commerce and seeing who will buy your crass brand of comedy.
August 10th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
“Intellectual and mental disabilities” “special needs” is just as offensive “retard.”
August 10th, 2008 at 11:59 am
This movie saddens me, as a mother of a beautiful child with Down syndrome this is exactly the kind of stuff we are trying to change. My son is far from “simple” he is a wonderful and smart little guy that is more like “typical” children then not. He may take a little longer to learn to do things, but when he does, it is such a joy.. He has taught us patience, unconditional love and to have joy and thankfulness over the small things. To the last person who posted on here “tracii” I have to say : do you have a child with a disability??? Your comments are uneducated and ignorant… everyone is so PC about other things but see nothing wrong with making fun of disabilities..????? If you are ever in an accident and become physically or mentally disabled, how would you feel? Should we then make jokes at YOUR expense???? How would you feel????
August 10th, 2008 at 1:50 am
its absolutely rediculous that this is even being brought up as an issue. its a movie. dont take something like this so seriously and throw a hissy fit. by demanding they edit the movie the way you want them to, you are taking away the filmakers right to free speech. plus, when robert downey jr.’s character in the movie uses those terms you want taken out, he is refering to ben stillers character. not a disabled person. people need to stop making big deals out of things. be it a race issue, sexual orientation issue, or has to do with someone with disabilities. im just sick and tired of big deals being made out of the most rediculous things.
August 9th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Shame on Stiller and DreamWorks! At the very least, they should edit out the demeaning references to Stiller’s “fake” character in the film even if it means postponing the opening date and losing a few dollars in the process. How pathetic and money hungry can one get to totally disrespect a population of people who are mostly gentle, kind and unable to fully understand how or why “humans” can be so cruel. Who are the real “imbeciles” and “morons” here? Think about it!
August 9th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Let’s face it…if Ben Stiller had children with special needs, this movie never would have gotten made.
August 9th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Though I am a fan of free speech, I also think that it is the responsibility of major companies, such as DreamWorks, to consider the social ramifications of their movies. As a parent of two children with Down syndrome, I ache every time I hear the slanderous use of the term “retard”. To dismiss an entire population of people as “retards”, “imbeciles”, “idiots” or “morons” is socially irresponsible and really should not happen in this modern age. I don’t think that this type of discussion regarding any other minority group, including blacks, Hispanics or gays and lesbians would even be necessary, it is only those with disabilities who are still the acceptable target of such hateful language.
August 9th, 2008 at 4:51 am
When Ben Stiller first started out he was irreverent and funny. Through the years he has tried to become more mainstream (to make more $$$) and now has fallen to poking fun at people with intellectual disabilities.
I wonder how Mr. Stiller would feel if we made a movie poking fun at his faith?
I wonder how Mr. Stiller would feel if he and his wife’s children were “retarded” or otherwise being labeled and then ridiculed?
Is Mr. Stiller proud to show this poster to his family, friends, and children?
Does he feel strongly that the income he receives from this is clean, honest money sowed from good faith?
DreamWorks, well, it’s a big company and they are going to do what it takes to make bucks. If you are reading this and have any ownership (through stock, etc.) please cut your ties today. If you feel strongly about this issue please not only boycott this ridiculous failed attempt at entertainment but also boycott DreamWords in its entirety. Let them know you not only won’t throw your money away on Mr. Stiller’s demeaning endeavor but not on the output of this studio, focused only on money and not on people.
Support your independent filmmakers, production companies and theaters!
August 8th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
It’s a movie!! If you don’t like the idea of it, don’t go and see it.
This is a free country and the last time I checked bad taste is not against the law.
I may not agree with what is on screen but they have the right and the freedom to say it.
August 8th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
With all the creative people in Hollywood and talented actors this is the best idea they could come up with for a movie?
I’m a parent of a special needs adult and I don’t see any humor in this.
August 8th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
This doesn’t have anything to do with disability or how people are misrepresented. What it is is a bunch of Hollywood people who go down their list matching the illiterati, idiotis, and ignorami dollar for dollar. They know exactly what they’re doing here and using all these parents to promote their movie.
August 8th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I am very offended at the thought that this would even be allowed, people with disabilities are not retarded or idiots, it is not to be made fun of, and it is mocking us with disabilities. We have just begun being included in the community as real people, who work, have family’s go to college etc.
I am a strong self advocate and I am certainly not going to see this movie, I am very disappointed with Dreamworks, Paramount and the actors involved in this movie. I find it appalling.
August 8th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
How cruel! I will not watch or support this movie! I will forward this to everyone I know so that they will not promote this movie!!! This is VERY disrespectful and rude! What is the world coming to. And I thought we were trying to teach children to be respectful and polite!
August 8th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
As a interventionist for children with disabilities, it saddens my heart to see we have such ignorance in todays society towards people with disabilities. Until you see first hand how a disability affects an entire family you can understand how such words can deeply hurt those involved with that child. Its movies like these that prove we are not growing as a society towards the acceptance of people with disabilities.
August 8th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I can’t believe that so many people are getting so upset about content they haven’t seen, based only on rumors they’ve heard.
I don’t know if Ms. Bauer has actually seen the movie she’s protesting – I suspect not. But I actually attended a preview screening of the film, and contrary to what Ms. Bauer is saying, it doesn’t make fun of people with disabilities. It satirizes actors and movie studios who make bad and socially insensitive films out of ignorance.
As for the posters who are comparing it to holocaust jokes… Hollywood has been making comedies about the Nazis and the holocaust for years, in the form of films and TV shows like “The Producers” and “Hogan’s Heroes.” In my opinion, the comedy in “Tropic Thunder” is in the same silly, irreverent vein.
As we all know, there is no shortage of serious issues that immediately affect the quality of life of people with disabilities in America. I’m genuinely mystefied as to why Ms. Bauer would encourage people to turn their energy and attention away from those issues in order to protest a piece of Hollywood summertime fluff that no intelligent person could rationally mistake for being serious. I worry, in fact, that when activists pour their resources into issues as trivial as this, they actually undermine their own credibility when it comes to being heard on larger, more serious matters.
True, the movie might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But if people really want to make a difference, aren’t there more pressing issues they should address?
August 8th, 2008 at 10:35 am
I’ve sat here and read a bunch of these posts, and it seems like some people that have posted have taken a good look at the big picture, and others are just in an angry rage. I like the idea of having a forum about this sort of thing, but despite the number of comments on here, it doesn’t seem that anyone is actually listening to each other, so I’m not sure why I’m even posting this. Hopefully someone will read it.
Of course the topic of disabilities is a serious one.
Of course a lot of terrible things are said about and done to individuals with such disabilities, which should not happen.
Of course a lot of this hate comes from ignorance and lack of understanding, perhaps lack of morals.
This kind of thing should not have to be said over and over–if you are a sensible, logical person you should understand this innately, and respect the fact that others also understand this.
However, Tropic Thunder (which is what I understood this thread to be about, not about opinions on disabilities in general) is a movie. Movies make comments and tell stories. That is all. The problem here is not the movie Tropic Thunder, but people. Whether a person sees Tropic Thunder or not may not have an effect on how they see the world at all. Hopefully (as I’ve seen Tropic Thunder) it will raise the appropriate questions, such as “what is a respectful way to portray a character in a movie with disabilities, and what does one hope to gain by such a portrayal?” Which is what I got out of the movie, as well as similar questions about other topics, such as race, materiality, cons, etc.
This is about being an educated audience, not about what topics a movie contains. I believe that Tropic Thunder is very appropriate for the educated audience.
Furthermore, I don’t think that the movie should be changed at all, but that the buzz around this movie will prompt people to educate others about topics such as this in order to see the movie in the light it is supposed to be seen.
The movie should be taken in context, as everything, and it would be appropriate to see the movie before passing judgment.
August 8th, 2008 at 9:45 am
We recently started an alliance, the Autism Awareness Alliance, to bring a voice to developmental disabilities in the media. I will consult with all members of our alliance on this and get to work. I am in touch with the ARC and we will help with any course of action neccessary.
My personal take on the situation (this is not an official stance by the alliance) is that using their pocket book and media connections is the best solution. If their opening day cannot be stopped while they edit the scenes, then their advertising and distribution process is in full swing. The best way to tackle this is to use their same media lines and process.
I think that the movie should be accompanied by numerous PSA’s before and after the movie and television trailers at their expense at the bare minimum. The company should also play PSAs before future movies and future trailers FOR ATLEAST A YEAR. They will have to undo the damage and should use their future time bought in the theater and on television to air PSA’s along with whatever they promote.
August 8th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I’m not sure if this will have any positive effect but here goes anyway …
Why do WE Americans even go to see these ignorant types of films? If they didn’t make money, the film makers wouldn’t bother making them! We can blame others (like the movie studios and the actors) but the truth is, it’s just as much our fault for providing them with funding for this offensive junk. There’s a better way than writing blogs to stop this from happening – just BOYCOT the film and get everyone you know to do the same. Money talks.
August 8th, 2008 at 8:34 am
With all due respect to an incredible talent of our time, Lenny Bruce was wrong. Words and labels are not just words and labels. They harm people and lead people to act against each other in violent and terrifying ways. Hitler used this same tactic to arouse hate, suspicion and vengeance against some 6 million people. By the time the Nazis arrived in Ukraine, for example, to round up the Jews there and segregate them to ghettos, negative sentiment had already been established against the Jews. Long time neighbors and friends thought little of the relocation because they came to believe through labels and propaganda that Jews were useless, ignorant, and worse, that they were evil and capable of heinous acts. By the time the Nazis rounded up the Jews, and dug trenches in which to either bury them alive or shoot them, those same neighbors and friends were quick to even help with the atrocities of mass murdering innocent people because of their label.
When the media resorts to the use of victimizing stigmatizing labels and stereotypic representation of individuals perceived as different, it is actively participating in no less of a crime than was committed by Hitler. Once individuals are devalued, humiliated, and degraded in such a way as is portrayed by the character Simple Jack, the human race is only one small step away from justifying the annihilation of an entire population of individuals. It is also important to note that because of the perceptions toward individuals with disabilities being lower life organisms, Hitler’s scientists used them to engage in atrocious violent research activity that by today’s standards would make Abu Ghraib look like a day at Disneyland.
I urge you to retract all belittling denotation of individuals with disabilities, that you consider individuals with disabilities to be valuable and valued members of society to be respected. I urge you to use the power of media and the arts to portray these individuals in their truest light, with assets and beneficial potential and contributions, not to be pitied, not to be subjects of oppression and dehumanization.
August 8th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Dreamworks, Ben Stiller and all connected with this movie should be ashamed of themselves! This sort of labeling is just plain meanness, not humor!
August 7th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I have been having conversations recently with many of the folks I work with about labels and stereotypes being so prevalent in our culture. The reality is that civility and mutual respect has long ago been replaced by hurtfulness in the name of speaking our minds on issues we have no knowledge of.
I think until one becomes a parent of someone with a disability, or has disabilities themselves, or even knows a person with a disability, they don’t fully get the humiliation of the these words. Shame on Mr, Stiller, after having two children, does he not see how important it is to uplift our children to their fullest potential.
August 7th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
All you people talk about rights and freedom of speech but what about our kids rights? They have a right to be respected and their voices to be heard just like each and every one of you. Blond jokes, womens rights league, black jokes – the naacp, jewish have The Anti-Defamation League, gay jokes,they have glaad. Animals have PETA at the filming location, etc…
You all have your voice, you can tell them to stop and someone in the industry will hear and offer an apology and not run the program again but can my daughter tell you the same? Unfortunately my 3 year old with DS can’t tell you how this word degrades her and how her 5 year old brother will feel once he understands that this hate word is used to poke fun at her, to make her feel worthless, a subhuman in all of your eyes.
It is not that we are oversensitive, we are parents, friends, brothers and sisters that believe that people with disabilities deserve some dignity and respect and we are sick of everyone thinking its “okay” because no one stands up to confront this situation.. It’s gone long enough.
Were blacks, gays, latinos oversensitive over racial slurs back in the 60′s? No, they had a right to be angry and they did something about it.
Cowards always hit on the most vulnerable. Whether you’d like to call it satire, humor, etc.. it’s hurtful nontheless and it’s just not right regardless of it not being intended to hurt but to make you laugh. Laugh about what? About someone not being able to defend themselves, looking different, speaking different? having a child’s mental capabilites when they are adults? That’s supposed to be funny?
I won’t boycott Ben Stiller’s movies or Jack Black’s for that matter. They have young children and hopefully will see what a terrible mistake they’ve made. It could have easily been avoided if they had consulted with a disability group about the verbiage on the script or maybe just maybe been able to use common sense.
August 7th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
To Dan James. You were lucky to have your great uncle around because most people were institutionalized back then. How could you say that your uncle or anyone else you worked with would have found humor in Simple Jack and the running gag of “going full retard?” Isn’t that sort of cowardly watching from the sidelines other people make fun of your uncle and the people with whom you worked? How could you stand by and allow that to happen?
August 7th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I have seen discrimination in my 53 years in several forms. It is wrong to be offensive in public and blatantly hurt another human being’s feelings by the names you use with no regard for an individual’s feelings … This is not only based on ability, but color, size, shape, and status.
Secondly, to talk discriminately within a group about another human being (within earshot or not), to single them out for a “deficit” and obviously to poke fun for their discomfort … this is not only bullying, but hatred at its finest.
Don’t tell me it’s only poking fun and that they should “suck it up” and take it for the joke it isn’t. Parents, with ignorance to others’ feelings, breed children to be ignorant of their peers’ feelings.
For Hollywood to blatantly make a movie, even unseen, that would use words in a discriminatory way to poke fun at another only encourages it in the community. I hear the word “retard” regularly as a slang term for someone’s innate, asinine actions, and therefore, cannot find the humor in using it so blatantly, in a movie attracting teens (and pre-teens).
To question people using this word is no different than questioning the use of words like nigger, dyke, and wop. Certainly prejudice prevails here. Maybe if Stiller, or Downey, or Black had a child with a disability, they could fully understand the demoralization of using hate words.
August 7th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Shocking! Absolutely shocking …
Both actors should have refused to read the lines! Shame on the writer, the producers, the directors, the actors!!! I hope the movie is an instant flop! It makes me sick to my stomach.
We are proud to have a wonderful son who by all legal definitions is “mentally retarded.” He brightens every single day, every single moment!
August 7th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I am the mother of a severely disabled daughter. I have cried so much over her disabilities. I wish I could help her but, it is up to God. Then there are people like this who choose to hurt us even more. Why? Why is this funny to some of you?
Karen
August 7th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I think they should switch the parody to actors and film industry people who continue to make money off the Holocaust. How about a parody with an actor who thinks that playing a Holocaust victim will win them an Oscar? Of course, that’s not anything to laugh about it, either, but hey, who’s taking any of this personal?
August 7th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Seeing all this is disturbing. I had a great-uncle that was mentally retarded, and have worked and cared for people that had mental retardation and varying degrees of mental disabilities.
Most that could understand the movie would find the humor in it — and they’d be disgusted with how you people are over-reacting and whining about it. What’s offensive is that you think you know what’s best for everyone, and acting like you need to speak up for the mentally retarded which is demeaning in itself.
Unfortunately most of you are experiencing “retardation” of common sense and humor. Get over it. If you don’t like what you hear, unfortunately for you some of the basic principles on which the United States was built upon was freedom of speech and expression. If you don’t believe me, take some time away from crying about everything and look it up.
China is pretty good about containing what their population says, you could live there and live in politically correct harmony. How about we “ban” people bitching about things in any manner while we’re at it?
August 7th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
We have to see the movie first!
This could be a horrible insulting movie — or it could be a great parody with a good message. We just don’t know yet.
How many of us in the ID community were horrified when we first heard about “The Ringer?” Turns out it had a positive respectful message and Special Olympics participated in it.
Let’s wait and (literally) see. Let’s not look like we’re overreacting or our message won’t be taken as seriously next time — don’t want to cry wolf.
As for using “retard” and other words, well, as I have to explain to self-advocates, sometimes you have to say something out loud to criticize it. Especially with parody.
We’re not going to make a better world for our kids (I have a 7-year-old with Down syndrome) by stomping our feet every time someone says anything that might even come close to offending us. The world is more complicated than that, and so are the movies. People are trying to laugh with us instead of at us sometimes, let’s not mix up the two.
August 7th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I am appalled by the lack of tact Dreamworks is showing for people with disabilities. Perhaps someone should remind them that “poking fun” at people who are disabled is neither funny nor witty. You would think that with their wide range of creativity, they could come up with something less offensive and more intelligent to make people laugh.
Instead, they choose to use demeaning, hurtful language to make money and for the sake of “entertaining”. I think it’s obvious who has the “simple” minds in this situation. Expand your horizons, DreamWorks and Ben Stiller. You certainly won’t be making money from my family anytime soon.
August 7th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
As I read the comments of the people who have commented pro and con on the choice of words DreamWorks has used in this movie, I find it very interesting only those supporting DreamWorks have not used their real names. If they are so strongly convinced that the use of the word ‘retard’ is not offensive, why do they feel it necessary to hide behind a pseudonym?
August 7th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Please just think of how you would feel if someone took your most glaring insecurity and put it in a movie. It isn’t fair to knowingly do that to someone else.
August 7th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
We’ve come so far in the past 30 years since I was a little girl, so it’s really sad to me to think that my almost 5-year-old with Down syndrome will have to encounter people who have been influenced by this movie. We don’t need a new catch-phrase “full retard!” It’s offensive and hurtful! DreamWorks should be ashamed of their shameless disregard to the feelings of a very special part of our population.
August 7th, 2008 at 9:30 am
It is appalling that a movie would make a movie about a “retard.” Everyone has feelings, and this is a slap in the face. It’s bad enough that there is so much violence, sex, and offensive language in the movies. People who are mentally challenged or families of mentally challenged should ban this movie. I believe the movie should be removed and burned. An apology should made to all people of disabilities. Is there a message or a lesson to learned from this movie? What is the purpose of the movie? Unless there is a great lesson to be learned, remove this movie.
Thanks, Sharon
August 7th, 2008 at 6:19 am
Though we are all different, we are all human beings to be treated with love. We all have our own different set of issues. Don’t think that one person is worthy of discrimination or teasing.
August 7th, 2008 at 6:18 am
As a mother of a daughter with Down Syndrome, I would like to see the wording changed. In today’s society you would think people would be more sensitive to others with disabilities.
August 7th, 2008 at 5:46 am
I can’t believe that in today’s world you people have the nerve to still use the word “retard”! I will not go to that movie NOR will anyone that i know…..
with pain in my heart over that word.
debbie
August 7th, 2008 at 3:58 am
I was so disgusted when I received the email that informed me of this movie’s upcoming release. Our world has so far to come as far as becoming aware of people within our community with disabilities.
I am shocked that such a prominent movie industry and such a prominent actor (Ben Stiller) would blatantly display their ignorance and lack of care on the screen in this way. Could you imagine if a movie was made that disrespected other people, such as certain racial minorities? It would not be tolerated. Yet this is supposed to be ok?
People with disabilities often do not have a voice that is loud enough to defend themselves, so it is the job of us as their parents, friends, and loved ones to fight for their respect and dignity. And that is a fight that I am willing to fight forever.
August 7th, 2008 at 1:32 am
You are absolutely correct! Let’s go burn some books and ban some movies. If anyone disagrees with us we can burn them too. We cant afford to let people run around forming their own opinions or anything. It would be anarchy. God forbid we have to actually parent our children instead of letting the TV do it. Maybe we can go the radical Islam route and not have to worry about these kind of things! Or maybe I’m over reacting and trying to force my beliefs on others, but probably not. Burn ‘em!
August 6th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
I saw a film clip of Tropic Thunder on Jay Leno Tuesday night and thought it humorless. Now in seeing the clip about full retard, I find it insulting, degrading and demoralizing to anyone who has a child, grandchild or family member with a disability. The studio must have known how insulting that clip would be so they did not dare show it on TV in fear of losing revenue.
DreamWorks and its ignorant cast, writers and directors and producers need to stand up and take responsibility for their lack of compassion and understanding of anyone with a disability. The movie should be banned from theaters in whole, not just the full retard part. The movie sends out a message that it is not acceptable to be disabled and that is not acceptable to me.
Nancy Ladisky
August 6th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
While I enjoy a funny movie and understand and appreciate satire, as the mother of an 11 yr old boy who was born with Down Syndrome, I cringe every time I hear people use the word retard.
The issue that is missed by those who accuse us of over-reacting to the word is that it is used so often in a derogatory way as an insult to people who are not mentally retarded. So those who suggest that we should also demand studios to remove jokes about fat people, blonds,racial stereotypes and even (incredibly) cartoon pandas….sorry, it’s just not the same thing.
The word is used in a demeaning way to describe stupid behavior. My son may be mentally retarded, but he is not stupid. The connotation this word has is so negative and disrespectful to our children, and I hope that one day it goes the way of “mongoloid”. While the language used in this movie may not be intended to demean our children, it still does so by the repeated use of the word, and especially by the phrase “full retard” which, as a middle school teacher, I see quickly becoming a catch phrase.
That said, I am a believer in free speech, so they can put whatever they want in the movie, but please don’t insult our intelligence with the justification that it is mocking shallow actors. It is really disappointing to see this in a movie, and from Dreamworks, no less.
So in the end, I will simply not see this movie. I am curious to see what the people involved with this movie will have to say regarding the firestorm this has created. It is my hope that they will respond with courtesy and respect towards the disability community, but to be honest, I am not holding my breath.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Using the word “retard”is no less offensive than using the word “nigger” and we all know that such a use would NEVER be tolerated. Any use of this word needs to be removed!
August 6th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I think that the use of the word “retard” is so ridiculously unnecessary. It shows lack of maturity and offends a lot of people in the disability community. I cannot believe that DreamWorks would use the “R” word to promote a movie. Why would they even agree to produce the movie? Did they read the script? I would be embarassed!
Shame on them and shame on anyone who finds humor in that word. They need to do some more editing and remove those lines. I would like to hear DreamWorks comment on the use of these words and how they find it justifiable. Because it is not! They really should apologize.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Times have changed and the terminology as well. Words that refer to people or children with disabilities inappropriately hurt their feeling.These young and older individuals are as equal as quote other normal people are. They should not be labeled or called anything. If you know someone with a disability, whether mentally or physically, they are as God’s angels and should not be spoken of any differently. If you wonder why they are considered angels, it’s because they would never hurt anyone intentionally but we would.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I can’t stand how people casually toss around the word “retard”. My friends, family and co-workers all know how strongly I feel about it and will immediately apologize if they start to say it. This type of offensive language should not be used to portray people in movies. As a teacher of children with multiple disabilities, I am very disappointed and angered by the news about this film. I will share my upset with those I know and encourage them not to support the film.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
As a parent of a challenged child, I am disturbed that so many think it acceptable for the film industry to just put out whatever they want in the name of entertainment. TV, movies, radio — they all drive public perception. As long as we don’t object, anything will become acceptable.
While I have no problem laughing at my own stupidity, and the stupidity of my “normal” friends, we (my fiends and I) all are cognizant of being respectful of the challenges of those around us. It’s one thing to do something stupid because you had a moment, and laugh about it; it’s quite another to laugh at someone who doesn’t have those abilities and is trying to be the best they can be.
I’ve seen how kids treat other kids, and unfortunately, most parents aren’t teaching their kids respect for others. Instead, parents teach their sons and daughters poor sportsmanship and rudeness.
In addition, challenged kids have some of the biggest hearts and strongest spirits around. Those are the qualities that should be recognized! We should be building each other up, rather than tearing each other down. DreamWorks, and the actors, should be showing the positive side of the human spirit.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
My family and I are extremely disappointed that Dreamworks finds this as humorous entertainment. It is intolerably offensive. We are also saddened that Ben Stiller would agree to play a role that degrades a segment of the population, some of whom are unable to defend themselves. It is of the utmost poor taste and bad judgement on the part of all of those involved and we will spread the word through email and personal contacts to prevent anyone that we can from supporting this horrible so-called “comedy.”
August 6th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Mr. Stiller,
Would you say this?
“Once upon a time…. there was a n*****.”
Ouch!
So don’t use “retard” as a pejorative. You’re over the line.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I pray that you never find yourselves sat watching Lars Von Trier’s The Idiots, for I fear it may well give you a coronary.
Still, it’s great to see people rallying against banal causes. The fact that people take personal offence over the usage of such words speaks volumes for your character, far more than for those who wrote and star in this movie.
Nobody is calling you, or your kid, or your cat, or your whatever, a retard. Stop being such a bunch of knee-jerk reactionaries. Or can I not call you that either?
I bet you’re the same hypocrites who swelled Dreamworks coffers by going to see Kung Fu Panda, without once sparing a thought that it might be offensive to pandas by suggesting they’re fat and lazy. Yet you don’t see pandas whipping up a batch of moral outrage, do you?
Who says they’re not smarter than us.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
In this day and age I can’t believe that people would find humor in even saying the word “retard”. I used to like Ben Stiller, not anymore. I will not watch anymore of his films. Making fun of educationally challenged people really shows the depravity of the film makers, the actors, and DreamWorks.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Sadly, I will never see another movie Ben Stiller is in or is a part of. Tom Cruise with all of his “holier than thou” attitude does a cameo? Unbelievable. God help the member of his family who gets depression or has a child born with a cognitive disability. Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black are two names I haven’t been impressed with before, I certainly am not now.
I am totally disappointed in DreamWorks/Paramount. I will not support them or their advertisers in the future.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
As the grandmother of a wonderful child with Down syndrome, I’m totally appalled that this movie could even be made. We are so politically correct about everything else! I applaud your efforts to confront DreamWorks and speak up for those with disabilities.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I think the people at DreamWorks should go talk to Gene Stallings, who lost his son John Mark Stallings last week.
Gene Stallings was a head coach at the University of Alabama. His son had Down syndrome.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I find it hard to believe that Hollywood finds this acceptable. Don Imus was fired from his job for racial slurs. The fact that society doesn’t feel that this is equal to if not more offensive, is just another example of how people with developmental disabilities are given no thought or respect.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
If anything, I think Paramount/Dreamworks should fund a support group for people who are offended by other people being too easily offended. Let’s face it: this is an R-rated comedy we’re talking about here. And while I appreciate the attempts to censor the entertainment industry, any strong push to get this whole thing into the limelight will only boost ticket sales.
I hate (should we remove “hate” from our language as well?) to say it, but way to go retards.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Oh my god. No wonder this country is in shambles. Everyone is too busy being “PC” to have “IQ.”
Should Warner Bros pull all the cartoons with the dog character who bumbles “Wheredidhego, George?” Let’s cut Sloth right out of Goonies, and “What’s wrong with Gilbert Grape?” comes back edited so nothing the disabled kid does is construed as funny.
While we are at it? Let’s take out all the Fat jokes, the God jokes, the Blond jokes, the Golf jokes, the Men jokes, the Women jokes etc. It’s not about right and wrong, it’s about taste and censorship. No one is going to see this movie and go beat up a disabled kid, so all of you: Stop your whining. You leave in a free country {for the time being} so deal with the price of freedom and exercise your right to not go to the movie!! It’s not like it’s mandatory viewing at all schools. It’s a movie!! With a non G rating, Get a hold of yourself.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
The Tropic Thunder movie is so despicable
and disgusting because it offends other citizens
and me with disabilities. Tropic Thunder should
not come out on big screen. I am against the movie.
I hope a majority of people boycott the Tropic
Thunder movie.
Roberta Gallant
Concord, New Hampshire
August 6th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I am the mother of a beautiful 3-year-old with Down syndrome. I am saddened that someone as talented as Ben Stiller has to resort to demeaning people with special needs to get a laugh and sell a movie. And yes, for those of you who think that we shouldn’t be making a big deal, it is demeaning.
Let’s says for argument’s sake that I am not a person with special needs. I decide to foolishly go over to a rabid dog and start teasing it and the dog bites me. My friend says, “Dude, you’re such a retard.” What my friend is essentially saying is that people with special needs are foolish and do stupid things and he is comparing me to them.
Retard is a word that was assigned to people with cognitive disabilities by the medical profession decades ago because in the dictionary, retarded means “slow.” People with cognitive disabilities do learn and understand; it usually just takes a little longer than what is deemed “normal” by our perfection-obsessed society.
So it is a big deal when a popular actor like Ben Stiller and a well-respected production company like DreamWorks use the R-word for a few laughs. By using the word retard in their movie as a punchline, they are sending the message that it is okay to use that word in mainstream America.
I mean, what are they going to do? Put a disclaimer after the closing credits that says, “We can use the word retard in our movie but please refrain from using it in your daily lives. Thank you.”
August 6th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Sojourner Truth made this point at a feminist convention: “They talk about this thing in the head; what do they call it? ["Intellect," whispered someone nearby.] That’s it. What’s that got to do with women’s rights or Negroes’ rights? If my cup won’t hold but a pint and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half-measure full?”
So how far have we really come that we need this reminder that all people — all people — are equal. Be it African Americans or women or people with disabilities, cognitive or not — we are all a part of this place we call the USA, and we deserve to be treated with the same respect and basic human rights.
August 6th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Surely the people at Paramount/Dreamworks cannot be so short on writers with a sense of humor that they have to resort to hiring some that demean and degrade people with intellectual disabilities.
Lets be frank about it, the R word is just as offensive as any other racial, ethnic or religious slur, except the word is used to target a group of people that cannot defend themselves the way others can.
It absolutely confounds me that in this day and age, where people are indeed sensitive about making other kinds of slurs, that it is still acceptable, or worse, funny, to make fun of disabled people. I’m disgusted with Paramount/Dreamworks, Stiller and everyone affiliated with this film.
August 6th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
DreamWorks and Ben Stiller should apologize. Being disabled is not stupid. Although difficult at times, it is a way of life that God has chosen. No one deserves to be called stupid. Boycott the movie.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Although I understand that this is ‘artistic license’ and it is meant in fun for comedy’s sake, I do not agree that peole are being overly sensitive to this term (retard).
Many years ago our culture decided that words that implied negative connotations with regard to our black population should not be used even in ‘fun’ in movies or TV. Although the words still exist, we rarely hear them even in polite society. Words to describe those with physical disabilities, such as ‘cripple,’ are also rarely used.
Why do we feel it’s ‘funny’ to stigmatize a population of people? In the past 35 years we have seen the benefit of educating our children with disabilities. No longer are they hidden away, but rather they are expected to become part of our functional society.
Through our zero tolerance clauses in many elementary schools, we are teaching our children to be caring and tolerant of diversity. By allowing this type of ‘entertainment’ are we teaching our children that there is a double standard? It’s OK to be cruel as long as it’s in a certain context?
Children learn what is acceptable in society by what they see. Is this what we want them to see as acceptable?
August 6th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
You know, I bet that if you lot had been around when books like “Of Mice And Men” or “Flowers For Algernon” (on which the movie “Charly” was based) were being written, they never would have seen the light of day.
Why?
Because you idiots would likely have found them objectionable, simply because both books had a retard as a main character.
Granted, you have the right to your opinion, and I’d defend your right to have that opinion to the death. But keep this in mind: I have just as much right to disagree with you, and I do.
(Personally, I’m not too thrilled about “Tropic Thunder,” but not because of the whole retard issue — I’ve seen the previews, and the movie looks like utter garbage.)
August 6th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Why don’t we take a stand on something important? How about we all get together to end the war … or to feed starving children … or to … get the word “retard” excised from our lexicon!
Yeah … that will make the world a better place.
Come on.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:49 am
It sickens me to hear of what’s happening in our world today. People just don’t care anymore. More time, money and effort should be spent in teaching children with disabilities to enjoy life instead of making fun of them. This is selfish…but as they say “what goes around comes around.”
August 6th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Perhaps we could consider taking our responsibility boot off the neck of the media. Or cramming one portion of society’s ideas down the throat of another portion’s.
No one seems to have mentioned that Robert Downey Jr. is a Caucasian actor playing a Caucasian actor portraying a Black character. I don’t think Paramount and DreamWorks are unaware of that element of the film.
We allow immaturity by not being willing to be teachers in every moment — not just when it is a cause others will back. We need to be just as willing to work with the media leaders and creative personnel to mature into sensitivity, after the fact.
Trying to lump all 50 million disabled people and their supporters into an angry mob is as inauthentic as this movie is based on any reality.
Everyone needs to be a lot more individually courageous. It is just as much EACH PERSON’S task to speak up. And we need to teach our children, no matter what capabilities, to act and speak for themselves.
Individuals are going to be ignorant of the way in which you prefer language be used around you or your loved ones every day. Better we teach by example.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:24 am
“I love retards.” Direct quote from Something about Mary.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Shame on the movie executives who would even consider allowing this movie to be released. I have been in the business of advocating for people with disabilities for twenty-one years.
I have given my speech as to why the “R” word is horrible more times then I can count.
I feel as if the efforts are in vain. The “R” word is thrown out on TV and movies so often. If people were using the “N” word it would be stopped.
Why aren’t people with disabilities treated with the same respect? Did these people ask to be born into this insenisitve world? NO! I will be sure to pass on the information about this disgusting movie to everyone I know and ask them to pass it along too.
Ben Stiller and the other people involved should make an effort to educate the public about the use of the “R” word — not promote it!
August 6th, 2008 at 11:05 am
We hear the word all the time on TV, movies, etc. not as a verb but as a noun used to ridicule someone. The current crop of talent is so shallow they have to resort to offensive language to get a laugh.
The real problem is that our sick society does laugh at the sick humor. Tell me I’m wrong. Tell me there’s hope for us. Tell me someone cares for our friends with disabilities who are giving it their all to participate and to be a part of our “better” society.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I don’t buy into the idea of this movie satirizing actors and not people with disabilities. I recently saw an interview with Robert Downey Jr. saying he wouldn’t have taken his role if it wasn’t “morally sound” and that they were careful to play the part in a certain way so that it wasn’t offensive.
Imagine if the “full r*****” scene had instead been Stiller’s character telling Downey, playing a black man, that he had gone “full n*****” and one should “never go full n*****”. That would have been too offensive.
They were worried about how the black audience in their screenings would react but no mention was made of how those with disabilities in their audience would react or if any were invited.
They are giving their true intentions away with interviews and statements showing their moral compass did cover at least some groups of people but not others. This totally negates the defense that this is an equal opportunity film when it comes to jokes.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:46 am
This drivel is offensive to all people with disabilities and those of us who love them. I’m very disappointed to hear that DreamWorks would even consider, let alone promote such a demeaning characterization. I certainly will be passing along this information to my circle of friends.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I’m a huge advocate of getting rid of the “r” word. But I also like to see the “facts” before venturing out on just the word of someone (political campaigns should have taught us this lesson). I visited the movie’s website, looked at everything, including video, trailers, etc… , and I can’t find an instance of anything that is being claimed. Where’s the evidence?
August 6th, 2008 at 10:29 am
PULL THE MOVIE.
What next?:
“…once upon a time there was a n-i-_-_-er” or “a sp-_-c” or “a ____ ______” – you fill in the blanks.
This sets racial, ethnic, religious and disability movements back 100 years. Not only should we be collaborating with the disability community but with the NAACP, Hispanic, Jewish and religious communities!
To stand up against the movie industry at a time like this is no different than what the TV industry did when they stood up against McCarthy.
Glenn Ford
Advocate for People and Families Living with Brain Injury
August 6th, 2008 at 10:27 am
So laughing and poking fun at an industry that patronizes, parodies, and pities our children says what about DreamWorks? They’re laughing all the way to the bank at our children’s expense.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:22 am
While education is important, I think this is the wrong approach in this case. People just want to be entertained. This is the movie business, plain and simple. If we’re going to boycott this, you gotta make it sting a little.
We need to make this a bad business decision for theaters to show this movie.
My suggestion? Boycott as many movie theaters that show this movie as possible. Don’t see any movies at ANY theaters that show this movie. Then DreamWorks may listen.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I think it would be advisable to remind those of us who are in positions of influence, especially those in the entertainment field where they touch millions of people, to be aware of the impact of what we say and do.
We should strive to make positive impact on all those whom we influence. Let us judge all our actions in these terms. It would appear to me that the positive impact of this DreamWorks movie is questionable in regard to those with disabilities, therefore, I hope that all of us, Mr Stiller included, will make this assessment, and alter our behavior and actions accordingly.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I think it is a sad day when someone with such talent resorts to poking fun of those with developmental disabilities. As a clinician who works with individuals with a developmental disability, one theme always remains — painful memories of being made fun of and called names.
When will we ever learn that we have gone too far? Maybe his time and the studios funding should be focused on giving back to these individuals!!
August 6th, 2008 at 10:08 am
You know English is an incredible language – there are so many words that have similar meaning. There have to be some really smart people employed by the likes of DreamWorks and others who surely must have the wit to arrange words in an order that allow people to laugh without hurting others.
Humor especially for the masses is probably best achieved if it’s “inclusive” – there can be no argument which suggests that the R word is relevant in a society that on so many fronts is attempting to drive diversity and inclusion.
Why does a company like DreamWorks feel the need to offer a mainstream product that in a sense attempts to proliferate and legitimize use of a word that has so much of a negative dynamic to it for so many people?
What a backward step! Hope the film tanks
August 6th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Remember Blazing Saddles? Remember the way Mel Brooks used racism to mock both racism, itself, and white people? Everyone loves Blazing Saddles.
Remember Borat? Remember all of the offensive things he said and did? Remember the way those offensive things mocked the ignorance we all have inside us? Not everyone loves Borat, but give it time.
Tropic Thunder seems to be in that same vein of movies that mock the establishment and really p*** everyone off when they’re released.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:41 am
I have a son and grandson with intellectual disabilities. I am very offended when I hear such horrible stereotypes being portrayed in the media.
My son and grandson are very intelligent and can understand things being said about them and their conditions. My son can verbally express his disappointments and my grandson is starting to. My son refuses to watch certain television shows and movies because of the content.
I should hope that the movie and television industries take note and realize that their viewing population is much bigger than they thought. Shame on Dreamworks and shame on the actors for not making better choices. I sometimes question exactly who has the disability and who doesn’t!
August 6th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I am sad to read that not everyone who has commented here understands what it is like to have to hear the “r” word being used on TV and in the movies. It is like someone kicking you in the stomach every time we have to hear that word.
My son did not ask to born with Down Syndrome. He is the most loving and caring young man you could ask for, who does not have a mean bone in his body.
The word is cruel and hurtful and has no place on TV or in the movies. And when it is used, it tells all those who are watching the show or movie that it is alright to use that word and it is not. I think my son’s dad has said it best “We would change the world for our son. But not our son for the world.”
I hope that this meeting will show Hollywood that we are not going to take it anymore and that using the “r” word is not going to be accepted anymore. We have to all stand up and say enough is enough. I had started to write down every time I heard that word on TV and in the movies, but I have to say it was used so much that I could not keep up.
To all the stars out there: Why don’t you all help us and refuse to use words like that? I bet with your help we could get others to understand that the “r” word is not funny and is cruel.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:23 am
It saddens me that Ben Stiller has gone for humor at the expense of the mentally challenged and black communities.
But any kind of public action would just give the movie more publicity. If you want DreamWorks to stop offensive ad campaigns, don’t see the movie and don’t rent or buy any videos made by Dreamworks studio.
Money is what they understand. Hit them in the wallet.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:22 am
When I picked up my ten-year-old son from a neighborhood baseball game, he was flushed with righteous indignation.
“Mom, whenever anyone missed a catch or struck out, the guys called him a retard. They don’t understand what an insult that is to my brother.”
Joe had no idea how “profound” (Yes, I DID use that word because it also has positive implications.) that insight was 27 years ago. But I knew, even way back then that Mark’s cognitive limitation was only part of who he is. He also has many gifts that we have nurtured so that he can contribute to this society.
Later, when our middle son heard a staff person call Mark a “brat,” Frank advocated for his immediate dismissal. “Think about it, Mom. Calling him that name is verbal abuse.” We got rid of the offensive “helper.” Is the word “retard” any less abusive?
Paramount and DreamWorks will predictably counter that this is an issue of “Free Speech.” OK, so let’s invoke governmental protections.
No one will question the power of the media to influence public thought and policy. Medicaid and Social Security provide vital lifelines to people with intellectual disabilities, who are often discriminated against when they apply for competitive employment. People who fail to see personal gifts of those with disabilities are more likely to balance the federal budget on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens.
While I am quoting my sons, let me add one more action-shaping memory — this one from Mark himself, who was the ONLY student of ANY ability to testify before our school committee about the need for a track at his public high school.
So moved were our public officials by Mark’s desire to train for his first (of four) New York City marathons that they reversed their stand to approve the expenditure that has served the needs of literally thousands of our city’s young people in their phys-ed classes and their track and field sports teams since.
When we asked Mark, WHY he wanted to address the school committee, he asserted, “Because I have a mouth and I am alive.”
Our son who learns slowly was right! Those are the only two qualifications any of us need to speak up for what is needed. And we need to stop Simple Jack.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:16 am
I’m glad to see the community interest. As I was reading the e-mail and the call to action I asked myself “How are we ever going to learn to be positive and stop putting people down when the media is coming out with movies like this one?”
I understand a movie is a movie and maybe it was written with no intention to hurt anyone, but reality is that it does.
It affects children whose judgment has not developed completely and who think it’s okay to use this vocabulary.
It affects people with disabilities because they are seen negatively.
It affects me because I want a world of acceptance, of love, of care, of no putdowns and respect to all individuals.
We have to learn to be conscious of everything we do and put ourselves in the shoes of others. People with disabilities are valued people and capable of many things just like people who don’t have a disability.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Only those who use the word retard truly demonstrate its meaning without understanding it. They are the “slow” ones — retarded in understanding individuals of different abilities.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:42 am
What surprises me is the way this type of thing endures. The hurtful label and the way society continues using it. How long have we had 94-142? (the special education; mainstreaming law). Lofty goals do take time and it seems racial and other social barriers are fading but not gone.
Protest is good and so is the idea of public education. When retard has the same impact as nigger then people will use it less. I’m in the education camp because language is a symbol of thought.
I work in the field of services to persons with disabilities. I like to tell staff that in that first month, they will see all the stereotypes, all the unique differences, the “deviancy”. But that will fade and they begin to see the person. This process takes effort, of course, and many people don’t care to make the struggle, they just opt out. That is until a friend or relative or themselves have a child or experience a brain injury or whatever. Then things change.
It is a classic stereotype and label, period.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I am a big fan of Stiller, but I WILL NOT see this movie. As a teacher of young children with disabilities I find the “R” word very offensive and I could not imagine enjoying a movie that makes some of the world’s best people the center of crude jokes.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:23 am
My family has been blessed with two beautiful children, one of whom has an extra chromosome.
Down Syndrome is a disability and we should all remember that if we are fortunate to live long enough we will likely end up with a disability of our own. While it would not be DS, it could be hearing loss, loss of motor skills, loss of vision, etc. Would we want to be treated like less of a person because of something we had no control over?
It is offensive and heartbreaking to learn of such derogatory references being made by such influential stars and studios. It would benefit them to spend time with people with DS and their loved ones to educate themselves about the realities of same.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Reality check: This is a *movie* that ridicules everyone and everything: Robert Downey Jr. plays a blond Australian playing an African American. When people take themselves too seriously others have a right and, frankly, a responsibility to laugh at them.
I am fat and getting older — so, should all movies that make fun of the fat and the aged be banned so that I can feel better? Of course not because if that did happen there would be less laughter and more depressed fat old people.
Sheesh.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:11 am
I actually saw a commercial for this movie and was taken aback. I immediately thought, “Well, I guess we won’t be going to that movie.”
I have a daughter with Down syndrome and am very sensitive when people use the words retard or retarded. I think many people use the word without realizing what they are truly saying and how insulting it is for those of us who love people with cognitive disabilities and see the value they bring to our world.
I always take the time to bring attention to the use of the word. At times, I have even interrupted “fun” conversations in the workplace to bring attention to this.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:05 am
In my job I try to reduce people’s use of the word retard and get them to begin using people first language. I was very saddened to learn of the actors in this moving using the language they do. These actors could be doing so much good in the world and now they have turned me against this movie and any of their future movies because of their decision to read these lines and not question them.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Often people with disabilities lament that when viewed in popular media it is usually in one of two formats: Super-Pity or Super-Cripple. They often neglect one, perhaps for good reason, and that is Super-Funny. It is painful to realize that you are not just ignored or de-valued but are in reality simply an object of other people’s laughter.
To the point. I totally support the variety of requests/demands being placed on DreamWorks’ doorstep. I have one suggestion to offer as an inclusion. We at [with]tv are ready, upon funding, to put to work on television, IPTV, radio, and elsewhere people with disabilities and others in a true mainstream, inclusive voice for our community.
Please visit our web site at http://www.with-tv.com/
There you will find links to our blog (handled by Connie and Stephen Kuusisto), radio show and support letter. DreamWorks and their associates could easily enter into talks to invest in [with]tv with fiscal support and also mentoring. My COO has worked in LA as a liaison for the US Army and Department of Defense and with the USO. He is well connected. We have a large number of volunteers, etc.
I would like to include myself, [with[tv and all our volunteers in this effort. Please spread the word. It is one thing to ask current players to hire people with disabilities, it is another thing to ask them to invest in an effort such as ours.
Howard Renensland
CEO/Founder, [with]tv
August 6th, 2008 at 7:58 am
I would like to see Dreamworks use their considerable resources and creativity to develop and pay for the creation and air time for a year long series of PSA’s promoting the abilities of persons with disabilites.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Wait a minute… is the idea that without the word “retard”, children won’t be able to make fun of their disabled and nondisabled peers?
August 6th, 2008 at 7:37 am
I agree with most everyone’s post.
I’m glad to see the community interest.
Insensitive ? For sure
Offensive For sure
Poor taste? For sure
Intentional? Doesn’t matter, Hurt is hurt whether it is intended or not
Satire? Haven’t seen it so don’t know
Funny? We don’t need to be hurt but we all need to be able to laugh at ourselves
Oversensitive? Maybe, but I think we have a right to be a little touchy
Free Speech? You have to be for it or against it, You can’t pick and choose.
Even if you hate it
Best outcome – LOVE to have a trailer educating the audience about the hurtful nature of these words and attitudes. Most people are ignorant, not intentionally mean or cruel.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:21 am
I have a daughter with Down Syndrome who is 6. The word “retard” offends me and we don’t use it in our family. I do not think the studio should popularize a negative and discriminatory word. I have two sons 9 and 3 who are in public school. I would not want them to learn that it is “funny” to use that word.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:04 am
The studio should remove all derogatory references to people with disabilities. There is no reason in this day and age people should be ridiculed for who they are. Phrases like “Simple Jack” and “going full retard” will be thrown around after this movie comes out and hurt a lot of developmentally disabled citizens.
I’m sure the studio will try to dress the film up as a satire of action movies and non-disabled actors playing those with disabilities. How about studios hiring disabled actors more often?
Boycott Tropic Thunder.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:19 am
As the mother of a 20-month-old daughter with Down syndrome, I am heartbroken to think that in 2008 our society still finds amusement in these portrayals of people with disabilities. My daughter has enough struggles ahead of her without having Hollywood make it more difficult. Will we ever get out of the Stone Age?
August 6th, 2008 at 6:09 am
As a therapist working with children with disabilities for 17 years, I can understand parents of special needs children being upset with the content of this movie. However, this is also an issue of free speech and the hypersensitivity that has become rampant in our country. Equal rights does not mean you have the right to not have your feelings hurt. If you laugh at fat jokes, gay jokes, racial humor, or jokes about differences between the sexes, then you have no right to complain about the content of this movie just because it hits too close to home for you. If you don’t approve of the content of this movie, don’t see it. This is a comedic movie meant to lampoon the shallowness and egotism of Hollywood actors. Maybe they should all band together as well and boycott this movie. Maybe veterans should rise up against this movie because it’s making fun of war. Perhaps Asian-Americans should ban the movie as well because the movie portrays them as the bad guys. Where do we stop, folks? Where do we stop?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:58 am
Too funny.. Website Promo is GREAT. This country is done when people who maybe as a kid in the playground called someone a retard fighting as a goof Then later in life had one, and now have a different outlook on hurtful words. Get over it. Simple Jack — Is Simple. Too bad. That’s the way it goes in the movies and in real life.
August 5th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Congratulations for not understanding SATIRE! Were you all part of the uproar over the New Yorker cover?
Blacks are used for satire. Are they getting upset? No.
Jews are used for satire. Are they upset? No.
Movie producers who you vilify are being made fun of. Are they upset? No.
Are you going to be in any way affected by this movie? No.
So shut the **** up, you oversensitive *******. It’s just a ******* movie.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I hate the R word. The media loves it. D*** the media.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Y’all n*****s need to learn to take a joke.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
The use of the word “retard” can be insulting, demeaning and cruel. To argue that people are oversensitive or don’t understand the purpose of satire is a cop-out. If the studio and actors underestimated the damage they could do, then let them acknowledge their responsibility.
Previous dialogues about how the word was as offensive as other racial and ethnic slurs gave me hope that “retard” would lose its socially acceptable status. I was hopeful it was one less insult people would feel free to hurl at my child. Use of the term in the context of “a joke” in a popular film will give the word new life in our culture. It’s sad.
Having a child with a disability doesn’t make me oversensitive. It simply makes me aware of how much pain people can inflict with this “joke.”
It is odd Steven Spielberg’s studio is responsible for this film. He has spent much of his life’s work helping us remember the cost of society treating one group of humans with less respect than another.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
This is described as a comedy. Laugher at the expense of sweet, innocent people is NOT FUNNY! I can’t imagine how this could be considered acceptable. Society is so concerned with “political correctness” in general. What about the feelings of so many kind-hearted, innocent, loving people who were born with a condition out of their control? Kids, teens … people in general … can be very hurtful and cruel. This movie will make “funny” or “acceptable” some very cruel, hurtful comments. I don’t understand why or how someone could put this out and not stop to think of all the innocent people who will be hurt by this. Who will be held accountable for all the hurt feelings and sadness this brings to so many? This is so sad.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
As a young adult with a younger brother with Down syndrome, I’m really offended regarding the poor taste Ben Stiller had when making this film! When I saw the trailer for this film during “The Dark Knight,” I was thinking, “ooh a parody of Apocalypse Now!” But as soon as I saw Ben Stiller as “Simple Jack,” I stopped smiling and was very much bothered. How long do we as advocates and people with special needs need to wait before special needs aren’t something to be made fun of?
I’m disappointed in DreamWorks and Ben Stiller. Why pick on people with special needs? Why do they deserve it? They have shown their true colors in that they are bullies, no different than those who make fun of kids in Special Ed in high school.
This company has proven itself that it will degrade anyone and any group for the sake of making money. Well done DreamWorks. You’re embarrassing.
I can assure you, no one I know will be seeing this film.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
As the parent of a wonderful child with Down syndrome, I am very offended by this film, and no one in my family will see it or recommend it to anyone else. I hope all involved in the making of this film will take notice of the comments they receive, and re-think how they are portraying innocent citizens who do not deserve to be degraded and be victims of negative stereotypes. Many people are working hard to uphold the dignity of those with developmental disabilities, and this film is a step backwards. I hope the filmmakers will take the positive steps needed to retract their errors in judgment and apologize to those deeply offended.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I’ve already sent an email to everyone in my address book, appealing to them not to see the movie on behalf of my son who is seven with Down syndrome.
Please ask them to remove the “full retard” scene … this term will quickly be used in high schools and colleges everywhere. There is no doubt in my mind that, with Ben Stiller and Tom Cruise, this movie will have mass appeal. I want to vomit.
Our country is full of students who have intellectual strength but moral and emotional weakness. Isn’t teen suicide at its highest rate ever? Don’t we all fear more school shootings? Isn’t bullying thought to be a major reason life is so difficult for our young? Heck, we have public service announcements about it every morning. Have these actors and executives no conscience whatsoever? As much as I can try to convince my son that he is loved, he is going to want the acceptance of his peers too. This is just fodder for the cruel and thoughtless.
And to those who say it is just an R-rated comedy and designed to be tasteless and satirical; and get off my moral high horse … NO!!!! I have to think of my son–and you don’t.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
I’m happy to see people so passionate and all, but the word retard just isn’t that offensive to me or to most of my friends. I hope you fail to have these words you find objectionable from being removed from this movie. Should you succeed, thanks for screwing the audience out of laughs. This fight of yours is a waste of time. I’ll be watching this movie on opening day just to show my support.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I’m sorry, but this is a ridiculous issue to get upset over. The movie is NOT making fun of those who are intellectually disable, but IS making fun of those (actors and actresses AND movie studios) who portray such a person in a bid to win an award. Such movies are generally shallow and callous (“i am sam,” anyone?). I think you all are overlooking this.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
As a parent of a challenged child who has to deal with these terms from classmates, I find it reprehensible that a major studio is so callous, especially one that has so many films directed toward kids. I am equally disappointed in the actors in the film. It is a sad state that our society finds a source of amusement comes from laughing at those struggling through no fault of their own. Young kids don’t know better–studio execs should. Shame on them.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
These comments are intellectually disabled.
All boycotts do is fuel press, and everyone knows if something is worth being boycotted, it is probably worth seeing.
Here is what you do. Go down to Chinatown or wherever your local bootleg DVDs are sold. Buy this movie there so you don’t actually have to give Dreamworks money. Watch the film, then comment on the scenes in question after viewing it in context and then open a discussion. Until any of you have seen the film, I consider all your opinions hilarious overreactions.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I have never taken the time to participate in a “blog” of any kind, but this time I feel compelled to. As the mother of an eight year old — wonderful, bright and funny — girl with Down Syndrome and a FORMER fan of Ben Stiller I am horrified that this kind of garbage is being produced by a major player in the movie industry.
It is unbelievable that in 2008 when so much progress has been made for people with all forms of disabilities we are witnessing a resurgence of such derogatory and damaging terms. I guess there is no limit to the depths DreamWorks is willing to sink to for the almighty dollar.
In response, not only will I be boycotting this movie, but I plan to let as many people as possible know what a cruel and repulsive movie this promises to be. I will also remind them that the price tag on this one not only includes an average of $10 and 2 hours of their lives which will never be recovered, but that supporting it by watching it will cost them a hefty piece of integrity as well.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
The pejorative “retard” is offensive, hurtful, insensitive, ignorant, and socially irresponsible. It is bigotry and reminiscent of the racial genocide of Nazi Germany, which looked on all people who were not “perfect” Aryans as subhuman and condemned them to death. I am amazed that DreamWorks, which is associated with Steven Spielberg, would allow such a film to be made. The movie should make all the necessary changes to remove any slurs of this kind.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
DreamWorks should be ashamed of themselves! Poking fun at anyone with disabilities is disgusting. The problem with this movie, regardless if they are spoofing Hollywood or not, some teens will find this hilarious and it is NOT. DreamWorks needs to remove the word “retard” from all parts of the movie and its promotion.
I will definitely NOT be watching this movie, and you can bet, I will send an email out to everyone in my mailbox to skip it as well. Ben Stiller and DreamWorks needs to make a VERY BIG apology for even considering this content.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
As the parent of a child with a developmental disability who is included in a regular elementary school classroom with typical peers, I find it so very sad that this type of thing is still being created.
We should be moving forward not backwards! Shame on the studio and all the actors and others involved! I hope they quickly become more educated on this topic and realize the shameful thing they have done.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I rarely write in about this sort of thing, but I have to say that I am enraged by this and am in disbelief! Not with Tropic Thunder though, and not with Dreamworks, Stiller and co., or anyone else involved with this (from what I’ve seen) fine example of satirical comedy for the masses. I am due to see this film a week on Sunday (August 17th) at the BFI Movie Con and will happily write more then, but meanwhile let me tell you about myself.
I am a 23 year old actor, currently studying Film Studies at University, so this is my industry. Now I can tell what you’re all thinking. Great, some film geek is going to attempt to defend this film, he has no idea what he’s talking about! I wish that were true, but that’s not where my description ends. I have a twin brother with autism. I love him dearly, and would do anything for him. I defend him and support him when needs arrive.
If someone were to call him a “r word”… sorry, can’t do it. If someone were to call him a retard to his face, I would be the first to step up (as long as my other 3 brothers didn’t beat me to it) and defend him. It wouldn’t be the first time. When I hear that word used in a comedy, and the line is funny, I laugh. Does this make me a bad person? Should I not be able to speak to my brother? Should I not be allowed to take care of him? No. Because I am broad-minded enough to realise when a scene is mocking something other than people with disabilities!
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed Rain Man, occasionally finding it difficult to watch, surely we should be more offended at someone thinking they can represent the struggles that somebody with autism goes through.
I respect Robert Downey Jr. as an actor, and thoroughly enjoy his work, because whilst he will really become a character, and fully embody him, he’s not a method actor. Lots of these method actors believe that they can fully embody a character who has this and does that i. e. Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed Rain Man, occasionally finding it difficult to watch, surely we should be more offended at someone thinking they can represent the struggles that somebody with autism goes through. His performance was excellent, but can you honestly tell me that he believe he was autistic? Of course not! So when Ben Stiller’s character says
Stiller: There were times when I was doing Jack when I actually felt retarded. Like really retarded.
When Downey Jr.’s character uses the words “imbecile”, “moronical”, he’s not describing the part of Simple Jack, he’s describing Stiller for attempting to even think that he can seat himself within a disabled person’s mind. He is mocking Stiller’s character. It is a satirical comedy!
I think everyone here needs to stop taking themselves so seriously and realise that the film is attacking Hollywood and actors, and not people with disabilities!
August 5th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
As a mother of a 16-month-old daughter with Down syndrome, and a Registered Nurse who works with pediatrics, I cannot begin to tell you how offended I am.
What people need to remember, our children will someday know they are “mentally retarded”. They will hear it in a meeting with a teacher, at a doctors appt, etc. It will be said in a matter of fact way, not to offend, but to discuss her abilities and needs.
By your offhand use of the medical diagnosis, she will then believe she is a bad thing. (Have you ever heard anyone say, “that’s so retarded” when they are speaking of something good?)
For me, both the studio and Ben Stiller have shown how ignorant they are. Perhaps they should come stand in front of some of our children and explain to them why they believe their disability is humorous.
They believe the use of the word is acceptable, but I’ll bet you couldn’t get them on national TV. with a mentally challenged person, explaining to that person WHY they find their challenge in life to be comedy material.
Although it is probably too late to pull all of this out of the movie, they certainly could put out an apology and explain to every teenager who is watching it why they appear so unintelligent and callous, and why most of the people they are making fun of probably show more intelligence and compassion than these people possess.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I have a ten-year-old daughter who happens to have Down syndrome. I was appalled to learn that in the year 2008 you still have ignorant people using the word “retard” in any form.
Ben Stiller and DreamWorks should be ashamed of themselves. To compound matters, they are trying to excuse it by saying it is intended to spoof “Hollywood.” Please explain how?
Our children fight a constant battle of being addressed by words like retard, slow, dumb and DreamWorks wishes to bring these words back to the forefront. I will boycott every future movie DreamWorks makes, and will have quite a following as well unless they re-think this entire project.
Thank you.
A concerned and angry parent.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I feel that society as a whole feels that it is okay to make fun of intellectually disabled people and that the entertainment industry is just profiting off of this. It seems to be very entertaining to people to put down those that we feel are less than ourselves. Intellectually disabled is the new butt of every joke.
I’m very saddened to see so much dehumanization of the intellectually disabled in the entertainment industry because we have worked so hard to advocate and educate for the rights of our family members. This kind of thing puts us years back.
The entertainment industry really needs to show the true beauty and and enjoyment of the “simple” people. We should all hope to have a lot of their qualities. They are true wonders.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
The use of the words “retard” and their equivalents are as offensive to people with intellectual disabilities as the N word is to people of color. Ben Stiller should know better. Hollywood should know better.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
This is exactly why the movies you throw a ***** fit about make more money, because you’re all missing the f*****g point. It’s only a movie and if you don’t like it, don’t go see it, but get off your high f*****g horses just because your kids didn’t win the genetic lottery.
I tell you what, if you’re all so hell bent on doing something positive about all this, write your own uplifting script about the handicapped and stop your bitching at the writers and fillmmakers like Ben Stiller. Yes, there’s a reason they call it show business, but give it a rest.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
With all due respect, I find this thread to be full of overreactions and a, frankly, comic lack of perspective. Tropic Thunder is a dumb Hollywood comedy, and the intensity of offense taken and political correctness on display here gives the movie much more power than it should have.
For the record, Stacey Snider’s comment is correct: The term “retard” is used as a plot point to play up the ridiculousness and insensitivity of the actors and Hollywood types being mocked in the film. It’s satire/parody, people. You’ll find that the term “retard” is used to mock the performance of Stiller’s character and the craven marketing of the film-within-the-film. That much is clear from the trailer and the website.
That said, I understand that challenged people and their families would lack a sense of humor about such topics — I get it. But I don’t think vilifying Ben Stiller and the film as insensitive is quite accurate, either.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
We need to let DreamWorks know that they have crossed the line. Their integrity has been compromised. There are more important issues than just making a quick buck. I wonder how they can live with themselves knowing that they made money at someone else’s expense.
We are trying to promote inclusion and acceptance, and this just makes our job harder. They have chosen disabled people because they feel they are an easy target.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
It was a joke. Just like Robert Downey Jr. playing a method actor who convinces himself he’s black is a joke. It’s called satire. Calling BS on films like Rain Man and Forrest Gump is the punchline. They, quite simply, are “retard” movies. The actors in those movies tend to get Oscars.
Because we’re afraid as nation to offend people we have white-washed commentary and discourse. Because we have a tepid national conversation, our nation is dumber. Because our nation is dumber we’ve had 8 years of Bush and probably 4 more of McCain, and we have television shows like Sunset Tan.
So enjoy your Two Coreys, you San Franciscan librarians. Have fun with your right-wing Supreme Court. You are part of the problem.
Best,
CS
PS. Chris Burke’s “Eating is Fun, Eating is Serious,” is the most unintentionally funny song ever, whether you like it or not!
August 5th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I checked out the movie trailer and a couple of early reviews. I saw and read enough to see that this is a crude attempt at humor, which also uses disabled people as the butt of a joke. Of course it’s not funny, nor should it be.
I agree with boycotting this movie, and telling those we know to do the same. The message to this movie company should be sent loud and clear: this attempt at “entertainment” will not be tolerated.
Does money really mean so much to them that they’ll stoop this low? What a waste of talent. They’ve lost my support and my money.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
This movie should not be shown. Ben Stiller and DreamWorks need to make an apology to all handicapped people and their families.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Wow … this is a big time challenge for all of us with a heart for this issue! Media is so influential in our culture. The devaluing of our friends cannot be overstated. It time for us to re-double our efforts to show our society the true face of intellectual disability!
August 5th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I agree with the other people who posted — making fun of any group of people hurts us all. The developmental disability community has made great strides in getting the ‘R’ word out of people’s vocabularies and now this movie promotion, with its combination of the ‘R’ word and stereotypical picture, will put the word back in circulation.
I suspect this movie promotion was created by, and approved by, young adults as, unfortunately, the ‘R’ word is becoming accepted slang for doing dorky things among the under-25 crowd.
I live in a Big-10 college community and I hear it from the kids everywhere I go.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Maybe Dreamworks and the studio can pay for the campaign NDSC showed at the Boston Conference “We’re more alike than different”. This could be viewed before and after the movie. It could added to the DVD when the movie goes to home sales.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
When society uses the word retarded to mean stupid or dumb, I imagine they must not be compassionate enough to understand that there are people and children out there who will be called this word in their lives and it will hurt them and their families.
I know it’s a word that is in our culture and it is a hard habit to break for many. But when a writer uses the word and executives approve it and actors act it, it becomes a conscious choice. I’m stunned that in 2008 there is still such meanness out in the world.
Count on me to not only boycott the movie, but to ask the same of my friends and family in honor of my beautiful five-month-old baby, who just happens to have been born with Down syndrome.
August 5th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Last night Ben Stiller was on “The Tonight Show”. The clip of the movie that was shown was not offensive.The other stars of the movie are scheduled to be on tonight and later in the week. I think people should email NBC and ask that Jay Leno address the controversy in one of his interviews with them. I’m going to.
August 5th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Pat,
First — Thank You! You are always at the forefront of issues that pertain to individuals with special needs. I appreciate all that you do. I am happy to see that the obnoxious trailer is no longer available.
Looking over the suggestions above, I like the first five. However, I do not think that making them “pay” is the answer. I don’t think there is enough money out there to pay for the damage that has already been done.
I think that it’s more important to use this as one more educating opportunity for Hollywood. It’s important that this movie not get released as is. It’s even more important that we prevent this from happening again. How sad that the no one stopped it from getting this far.
Robbin Thomas Lyons
President of The Wisconsin Upside Down Foundation
August 5th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I use to be a fan of Mr. Stiller’s work until this. I am the proud mom to a 4-yr-old son with Down syndrome, autism, and many other serious medical issues.
My son has more strength than any of those Hollywood “stars”.
Ben’s parents should put pepper on his tongue for using a word that is completely unacceptable. I say his parents should, because he is obviously not a “man” yet. I love his parent’s work and they never crossed the line in comedy like this.
I am typing this while sitting in the Atlanta Children’s Hospital at Egelston where my son is recovering from his 25th surgery in four years. Ben, you could never endure the pain my son has suffered. He has Coded 9 times and been on life support 4 times.
Hey Ben, you think you could even withstand a quarter of what my son and others go through daily. I will assume your answer is NO, since if you ever were put in his shoes you could not fill them. Because his shoes only fit him becaue he is so unique and special.
I will pray for you and others like you who continue to make money from making fun of others who cannot often defend themselves. As for me, I am 41 yearrs young and you count on me and all my family and friends to never go and pay for one more movie you are in, direct or write. That also goes for the other people in your “little small minded group of actors”. No more money from me, Ben.
I will just hang out with all my friends and family who know how to respect me and others in the world.
Just think — all this publicity you’re getting could have gone for Good, and educating people.
God Bless you.
Lisa Bliss “Honored to be Mother of Andrew a Kiddo proud to have Unique Ablities”
August 5th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I have a grandson, and a granddaughter with autism, and other disabilities. They already get called names at school, and even adults make fun of them. They are very sensitive about hearing words like retard, dummy, etc. This movie will make things worse for our kids. How could anyone do such a thing? It is disgusting! We need to teach love, and tolerance in a positive way. I will not see this movie …
August 5th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
We live in a society today that no one cares whose feelings they hurt. People should look the word “retard” up and then maybe it would not be thrown around to describe every action that is dumb. To be stupid, I feel, is doing something that after you do it you think: why did I do that? We can prevent stupid. A person is not a “retard,” they are mentally handicapped — not by choice but by fate because God has put them here to show all of us stupid people how thankful we should be for our normal life.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Dear Pat,
Thank you for bringing this movie and some of its content to our attention. The media can be a force for good, for example the TV show “Life Goes On” that aired during the 80′s and featured an actor who had Down syndrome, Chris Burke, and his TV family and friends.
Our daughter who has Down syndrome appeared twice on that show, but more importantly the producer, Michael Braverman, gathered a group of young people who had D.S. together to do a “reality check” with them to be sure that their lives and the lives of other people who had developmental challenges were realistically portrayed.
That show made it much easier for our daughter to walk in the world, and the information contained in it has been a great force for educating the general public about the challenges that individuals like Chris Burke face daily.
Unfortunately, the people connected with this movie have chosen an opposite path – a negative one. I would urge the DreamWorks execs and the actors connected with “Tropic Thunder” to watch this series, which is now out on DVD.
It is never good business to make fun of any group of people. It hurts us all.
I will forward your blog to my entire email list, Pat; there are many thought-provoking comments contained herein.
Thank you.
August 5th, 2008 at 11:52 am
“DreamWorks” cares about one thing only — and that’s money$$$ — you gotta hit ‘em where it hurts. Boycott the film!
August 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am
I am in agreement with the other posts. I am also offended by the context of this movie. This sends the wrong message to the public about persons with disabilities. My daughter is 8 and has Down syndrome. When children see this is acceptable in a movie and start doing it at school to my daughter — what do I say to her????
August 5th, 2008 at 11:25 am
I am very disappointed in DreamWorks for producing this trash. I have only watched the trailer on IMDB, which makes no reference to disability, but the number of machine guns and the extreme violence make it unsuitable for human consumption.
The more these types of movies are made, the more the public is drawn to them. Add in the apparent slurs to people with disabilities and we have a double whammy of disgusting garbage that will influence the language and thoughts of people for years to come. Thanks for nothing, DreamWorks.
Johnna
August 5th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I am 21 and a movie buff. I’m going to see Tropic Thunder on opening weekend.
This is a very wide release and one of the last movies of the year that will cross the $100 million mark. It plays in less than 2 weeks. There is no way to edit the movie, its promotional materials or trailers now, save for pushing back the release date. That will never happen.
Don’t kid yourselves about scrapping the movie altogether. It cost at least $100 million to make. Paramount/Dreamworks is not going to flush that kind of money down the toilet.
Seeing as we now get “Regular” DVDs and the “Extended, Unrated, Uncut” DVDs, you may be able to get anything regarding “Simple Jack” pushed to the latter. However, it seems to be too much a part of the plot for that to happen.
Seeing as this is a movie about making movies, it is much likelier that the use of “Simple Jack” is ony to mock the stereotypical movies about disabilities that Hollywood shoots out.
Attacking individuals like Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr, etc. is wrong. Do you honestly think that anyone is trying to hurt, offend and alienate an entire population of people? Have some faith in humanity.
Even if you think that the actors, writers, director, etc. are horrible people, have some faith in Paramount/Dreamworks. No studio greenlights a movie whose intention is to hurt people. They aren’t that stupid.
I understand being offended, but I really think everyone is making too much of this.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I am very sad. When I heard about this movie I was excited. I love Ben Stiller and was looking forward to seeing this movie. Unfortunately, as a parent with a 9-year-old with Down syndrome, I find the use of the phase “never go full retard” extremely offensive.
Now I cannot see the movie and in fact am encouraging all my friends to boycott the movie.
DreamWorks and other studios need to be on the forefront of educating the public and setting the example. Use of the term retard is demeaning, mean-spirited, and dehumanizing. It is not funny. It also will not be funny when teenagers pick up on this line and parrot it at school and at the malls.
I hope that DreamWorks will edit the movie before its release and take other measures to be a positive force in spreading the word that we are all different but all are human with a lot to contribute to this world.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:29 am
As a mother of an adorable 6-year-old, who happens to have Down syndrome, I am completely offended by ANY use of the word “retard.” This word should be ranked with the other offending words that are no longer politically correct (ie, “nigger,” “wetback,” “chink” …. they elicit the same knee jerk reaction as retard)
August 5th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Ignorance is bliss. Keep in mind Ben Stiller is an actor, not the movie production company or writers who created this monster. My guess is he remains untouched by the world of disability and was oblivious to how damaging his role would become. He did portray a compassionate guy in “There’s Something About Mary.”
Movies are produced for the masses in accordance with the reality society has created for itself. Clearly, we are still living in the dark ages.
Editor’s note: Ben Stiller is credited as the director and lead writer of “Tropic Thunder.” See the movie’s IMDB site.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Mr. Stiller and Mrs. Snider:
Certainly, no one would object to “The film’s humor [coming] at the expense of its own heroes…”, but when that “humor” has to belittle and insult the most vulnerable members of our society to make its point “The star-studdedness of it, and the absolute playability of it…,” does NOT “trump it all.”
Mrs. Snider: I would say get a clue and try to have a heart, but that would effectively end your career in Hollywood.
Mr. Stiller: Take note — there is a distinction between laughing “with” and laughing “at”. You are very good at laughing at yourself (and I admire that); however, when you choose to laugh at those with intellectual disabilities, just know that you cause more pain than laughter.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:27 am
What’s in a name? When I was a little girl, I remember leaning out a second story widow with a girlfriend, noticed my Uncle Joe gardening in our Brooklyn backyard, and proceeded to chant, “Uncle Joe’s a cripple…Uncle Joe’s a cripple,” in the sing-song way that 5 year old girls employ. We thought we were being so cleaver and funny, until my normally jolly Italian grandmother, who had never before scolded me, tapped me on the shoulder. Grandma was furious, and let me know how unkind we girls were. Being 5, and not having attained the age of reason, I truly didn’t realize that we were being cruel. Nevertheless, the memory stayed with me: the look in Uncle Joe’s eyes, the anger in my grandmother’s eyes, and the elusive sadness I felt. It would seem that most grown-ups would recognize the insult and pain of derogatory labels. Perhaps Dreamworks should produce a serious film that celebrates and honors people with other than average abilities.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:19 am
* I am the parent of a child with a developmental disability and I find the word “retard” offensive. I think that most of the time when I hear it, people don’t even realize that they have said it.
I agree with the comments expressed by others:
* The studio should, in collaboration with disability groups, come up with a public service announcement to be distributed and shown along with the movie in movie theaters.
* There is time to delete and edit the video version. Insist the studio edit and add the PSA, along with other information.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:58 am
What goes around, comes around. Someday one of those involved will experience cognitive disability among their families or friends. Then they’ll understand. If they were ridiculing someone who was African-American, Jewish, Muslim, or some other popular minority, this would make national news for weeks.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Someone needs to organize awards for positive portrayal of disability in movies and television much like GLADD does for the gay community. The GLADD awards are a big deal now but they started out small. I know that they have had an effect on how the GLBT community is represented in films. I believe the ‘Image’ awards are for positive representation of people of color if I’m not mistaken. We need to take a page from what others have done and celebrate positive images, give awards to those who deserve it and call out those who demean people with disabilities.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:45 am
This issue came up at Blogher ’08: At Special-Needs Mommy Blogging Panel, Stephanie Klein of the blog Greek Tragedy sparked a conversation about using the word “retarded” (and its variations). Happiekatie, liveblogging the panel, summarized the response:
“Using humor and language when discussing child’s disability
“Language frames how we think about things — if you accept a language that puts disabilities first and foremost in the minds of people, that’s not positive for anyone. So many loaded words in our language, but important not to diminish our children when we speak about them. There are many repercussions when using certain language and types of humor, maybe more than what one person really can deal with.
“Disability rights are one of the only kinds of visible discrimination left, it’s a final frontier we must conquer! Outing yourself as a parent of child with special needs changes the conversation. Knowing that everyone is out there online makes this change of tone and daily challenges so much easier. “
August 5th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Are you kidding? This part is ridiculous: pull all references to the words “retard,” “imbecile,” “moron” and “idiot” from the movie.
I can kind of understand the issue with the word “retard”, but to be honest, this oversensitivity and nit-pickiness is more inclined to hurt the cause than help. And guess what — now you are giving this movie you hate so much some free promotion.
Btw, I am a congenital amputee, and my husband has cp (and he works with disabled etc children).
It seems that parents of children with disabilities have a tendency to get self righteous and oversensitive, which makes for a lot of wasted energy.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:15 am
This kind of thing promotes a stigma against those with disabilities of any kind really, the person with cerebral palsy is considered just a “retard” when he’s not because of people like you who think it’s SO FUNNY to make fun of the disabled.
You are doing our society a great disservice! You should be ashamed but you’re not and that’s just plain pathetic. It lazy really, just plain low road mentality. Try to take the high road; there is fresh air up there.
I hope that someone you love is never stricken with brain damage or born with mental retardation because it’s not a pretty world out there for them. I pray that the callousness of your hearts would be changed and that you would not move forward it this awful thing you are about to unleash on the young minds of America.
Have you no shame, or love, or compassion for those less fortunate than yourselves? God forbid you don’t become the butt of your own sick humor.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Stiller actively supports Generation Rescue, which tells me how clueless he is about disability rights.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:55 am
I think that it should be explained that the “R” word to the disability community is just as bad as the “N” word to the African-American community. I think that explanation can get more empathy from most people.
I also think some of the suggestions you are making to Paramount are a little much. They are not gonna pull Ben Stiller’s clips from the movie, and they are not gonna cut all the words, other than the “R” word, you mentioned from the movie. By making those suggestions, it’s possible that Paramount will not consider any of the suggestions. I do really like all the other suggestions.
August 5th, 2008 at 5:32 am
I am so offended by the context of this movie. This sends the wrong message to the public about persons with disabilities. My son is an amazing, intelligent boy with a huge future in front of him … films like this will only hinder any progress we have made in this society in removing the stereotyped images we all believe.
It is up to us to defend our friends and neighbors that this film ‘makes fun’ of. Who will help them if not us? This is a step backward for a society that has come so far … I hope and pray adjustments can be made and this movie is ‘cleaned up.’
August 5th, 2008 at 5:15 am
This movie definitely shows gross negligence. I am not an expert on movie-making, but I am pretty sure most movies based on a population do their research first. (If they don’t, they should).
For example, if the movie was made based on a specific group or percentage of the population, that group would at least be researched heavily if not interviewed.
Just a little bit of research and those responsible for this movie would have discovered that Special Olympics replaced the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disabilities” by request of Special Olympics athletes. No, Special Olympics athletes are not representative of the complete population with disabilities, but at least they would have discovered it was not a desired term to use.
I proudly have personal connections with persons with disabilities and am glad to say so. I am sure that if anyone involved in this movie did, this terminology (I use that loosely) would not have been considered.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Making a movie which systematically targets a whole section of the community as objects of ridicule doesn’t seem very kind. If the idea of this kind of movie is to make people feel happy, why does this have to be at the expense of others, who largely cannot defend themselves, and whose whole lives will be touched by the attitude you are promoting?
Whether film makers like it or not, they are setting an example for the rest of society, and this kind of film makes abuse and exploitation seem acceptable to many.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Amazing that in the midst of all the P.C.-ness of Hollywood, there could still be such insensitivity.
Shame on Ben Stiller, DreamWorks, and those who support the use of such disrespectful phrases.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
As a self-advocate, I am working very hard along with thousands of others to stop this kind of language and treatment of our fellow humans.
I was so disappointed to hear of this (Simple Jack) in your film. It is in very bad taste to use people’s medical disabilities as a joke. Don’t be such a bully.
Erick Yeary, Idaho
August 4th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
As a disability rights activist and also an advocate of those affected by developmental disabilities, I am deeply concerned about the content and depiction of how this movie will portray those affected.
We have been advocating for years and years to increase knowledge and public awareness. When issues like this come along, it is dismaying to know that there are still those out there who continue to make fun of and who are insensitive to the plight that numerous families and individuals struggle with daily.
Making fun of those who are vulnerable and many who cannot speak for themselves is awful. My own child was laughingly called a “retard” by a neighbor who was aware of his disability. My son proceeded to curl up in a ball and cry for over an hour. What are we teaching other children and society when movies like this are made?
August 4th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I am sad, but not surprised that a movie is using the word “retard” and “imbecile”. Substitute the word “black” or another ethnic or religious group for retard and then would it be “funny” or offensive, shocking? If it is more shocking with “black” or “gay” or “Chinese” then why is it okay to insult one group over another?
The problem is that words that are used to describe “medical conditions” are also used in a derogatory fashion … “he’s such a retard” … “she’s deaf (blind) to opportunities” … “What a spaz!” and it becomes part of the “common lingo” and people forget about the connection to real humans whose bodies work and develop differently from some of their peers.
Perhaps what we need to say is “I know you’re using “retard” to describe someone who’s made a mistake (it shows too that it’s become funny to belittle people for mistakes), but did you know that it also is a term used to describe people whose brains work differently and that when you use it you not only insult the person you’re thinking of, but many others who were given this label to describe a medical condition they have. Did you know that people who have this condition are not that different from you and are loved by their families, friends, and communities, and work hard to do well at home, school, and out in public? Did you know that they have to deal with not seeing many positive public portrayals of people who deal with the same issues they do and when they hear people use a word to describe them in a negative fashion, it really hurts? I know you were trying to be funny, but I thought you’d like to know that what you say really hurts a lot of people.”
It would be wonderful if the film could be changed, but barring that I think the push should be for the film company and actors to do outreach, saying that in the movie they are making fun of actors who don’t realize how words can hurt and fail to appreciate the abilities and potentials of all people and then maybe have real life examples of great kids, adults who may have the label of being “retarded” or “developmentally disabled”.
The actors and film execs could make a great contribution by showing positive images/stories of people who might fall under this label so that viewers can see that people who learn differently aren’t a “joke” like it sounds they might be in their film. It might be good to protest too, but I think the goal of protesting should be education (maybe an info fair outside the movie theater with a chance to meet people who have been labeled as “developmentally disabled” so they can meet real people instead of movie images.
To many of us in the “disability community” (I’m not a proponent of the word “disability”) it seems obvious why you shouldn’t say “retard” and other terms like this. But for others it’s not obvious, and it may feel like we’re cramping their style, and what’s the big deal? We have to work to help people understand why it matters and what the connection is to real people. Another issue is that there are so few images of people whose bodies work differently on TV and elsewhere that when everyone hears the word “retard” used in a negative manner, it may be the only reference to people who have this label and if you have this label, you can’t help but being hurt. Maybe part of the conversation could look at ways for Hollywood to be more inclusive in its movies of people who are differently abled.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
It is so disheartening that one movie, one carelessly placed comment can set us back so far after we have fought and fought to get a little acceptance for our children in society.
Just when I begin to think we have made progress, something like this comes along and throws us years back in ignorance, hurtfulness and intolerance. It is disgusting and heartbreaking to me and my family. My family will never watch Ben Stiller’s films again.
Shameful! Absolutely Shameful!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Larry Wanger’s suggestions make good sense. And to the person suggesting to change the word from “R” to another….I would suggest “Richly Rewarding.”
August 4th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Being reactive is always after the fact. I say we go proactive and gather all culture creatives and join the multi-media world with images of the beautiful disABLED culture.
We can flood our society with better acting, better artwork, better artistic expressions from those who don’t have to pretend. We have a voice…let this moment be our rally point to a proactive solution.
August 4th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I am appalled with the continued lack of sensitivity toward persons with a disability. As a parent of a daughter with Down Syndrome and an elementary school administrator overseeing the special education programs at my school, I frequently encounter the derogatory implications of the word “retarded.”
It is extremely difficult to help parents accept the eligibility of Mental Retardation for their child because of the negative connotation of the word retarded. These parents need to accept their child’s disability so that they can help their child achieve his/her maximum potential. The word retarded means working at a slower pace. It does not mean “stupid,” which Hollywood continues to portray.
Paramount/Dreamworks need to rectify their gross negligence by removing the word retard and its negative connotation from all aspects of this movie. They need to apologize for their insensitivity, and they should make films portraying persons with disabilities in a positive light.
August 4th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I’m for pulling ALL OF THE MOVIE!! It’s disgusting, and should never happen again! Boycott the movie!
August 4th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
I am terribly disappointed and shocked to find out that other human beings are trying to make a profit by making a movie which makes a mockery of innocent handicapped children with Down syndrome, such as my little precious princess.
I, as a mother live in fear of these people whom I believe would not hesitate to not only belittle my little daughter but also treat her with such disrespect to her physical handicap. It makes us look as a non-respecting and desensitized society when we allow this type of movie to be broadcast. I feel it is inappropriate to make a mockery of other people’s physical handicap, but allowing such movies to be broadcast is simply appalling.
August 4th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Ugh.
While I’m not fond of Hollywood’s tendency to cast non-disabled actors as characters with disabilities, and think that there’s satire to be done there….oh, lord. Well, what can you expect from a movie featuring Robert Downey, Jr. in blackface? (For the record, their excuse for the blackface is also, “But we’re making fun of ACTORS!” Well, then, do your job better, Mr. Stiller).
I agree with your “Starting Point” suggestions, and Larry’s suggestions as well.
August 4th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
I believe that all of the suggested responses be pursued.
This is an excellent opportunity to raise the awareness that use of the word “retard” is not appropriate. The question for DreamWorks — do they want to take actions right now to be part of the education in a positive way? Ask them to add an insert at the beginning (between the previews and the start of the movie) in which Ben Stiller communicates this educational message, extends an apology, and commits to not use these words or depictions in future movies.
August 4th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I couldn’t believe it when I read the email from AAPD, and yet, sadly, I could. I think all of the ideas mentioned are good. I am for pulling all of the scenes from the movie but the other ideas are good also. I think it is high time that studios stop using people with disabilities as fodder for jokes. I also think they should start hiring actors with disabilities, as well as those jobs behind the scenes.
August 4th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I have seen three comedy movies in the last two months all that used “retard” in their dialogue, including “Mr. Woodcock” that I watched on HBO last night. It is so prevalent that to get it out of comedy movies will be difficult. None of these actors can I find in previous movies with that term however. So educating the studios may be the best bet.
August 4th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
The time to act on this was “yesterday”!
The reason we are in this situation is that this has been building for years. People who say that we are too sensitive are the people who don’t have the disability.
Ask a child with autism who is verbal what the worst thing that they can be called at school and they will most likely tell you “retard”. My son thankfully does not know the word yet but I have sheltered him from many social situations. I know I can’t protect him forever but I don’t believe the “sticks and stones” philosophy.
We should not be ashamed to say that we will not stand for this another day. We need to call for more then an apology. Comedians are blackballed from society for good reason now for the use of the word “nigger”. This happened because organizations stood up and demanded an end. We need to demand our organizations to use their power to put an end to this.
There is no reason that we should be getting another 11th hour email about yet another film or TV show already in the can. There should be a watchdog in the media that looks out for this way in advance. I guarantee this film would never have gotten green lighted if our organizations had done a better job advocating for us on earlier situations.
August 4th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I agree with the other suggestions. I also think that
– In the piece that Ben Stiller et al film to place at the beginning (and end) of the movie, they should be hilarious and appealing — not preachy and annoying — so that their audience of teenage boys can hear them.
– I think that SABE (Self Advocates Becoming Empowered) or other self-advocates and their groups should be included in the coalition on Wednesday. (I read this in a comment on another post and it makes much sense to me.)
– The Simple Jack film on the web should be immediately taken down and substituted with the hilarious and appealing bit that is being placed at the beginning and end of the movie. Or something equally wonderful.
– Before the movie goes to video, it should be edited and something funny and sharp should go into the movie in place of this scene. They should not just bleep out the words or replace them with something wimpy that makes everyone who watches the movie say “why didn’t they just use the word?” They should IMPROVE the movie with this new scene. (And keep the message preceding and following the movie intact.)
– I also think that advocates nationwide should work to make as visible a positive impact as they can … We may not be able to influence the big bucks, but there are ways to have an impact. We need to mobilize and be creative about it. The time is NOW.
My daughter is a teenager, their audience are her peers. They do not need to be encouraged to torment her in the name of ‘humor’ by Hollywood.
August 4th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I hope disability advocates will continue to raise their voices regarding this film. Our voices will bring greater attention to the hurtful and meaningless content while making the general public aware of what they are going to see/support if they purchase a ticket to this film.
I hope DreamWorks will listen closely to the leaders of the disability groups at this meeting as they represent a large group of ticket buyers when you consider there are millions of people living with cognitive disabilities who have families and friends who love them.
The following are a few suggestions:
– Take down the “Simple Jack” website immediately as it is offensive and perpetuates existing stereotypes about persons with developmental disabilities. It’s completely unnecessary to the marketing of the film and has no valuable content.
– If words such as imbecile, moron, and retard cannot be cut from the movie, a personal message from the actors in the film should be shot and played at the beginning of the movie discussing how hurtful words like this can be to people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
– A policy should be instated at DreamWorks that any film portraying a person with a developmental disability will hire consultants (person with developmental disability, family member or disability group advocate) to advise the producers on appropriate vernacular and portrayal of persons with developmental disabilities.
– A portion of the proceeds from the film should be donated to disability groups.
Lest we only give DreamWorks something to think about…
– Any disability group that has ever featured Stiller, Cruise, Downey or Black at one of their fundraisers OR accepted funds from them, should send them letters delineating their disappointment at the hypocrisy.
August 4th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I myself, like one of the other bloggers, feel that we are sometimes too sensitive with issues like this.
I generally do not take offense to the word retard or moron, but in this case … I can’t help but to take offense. Tom Hanks, Sean Penn, and Dustin Hoffman were merely showing a more accurate portrayal of a special needs person. This movie is completely poking fun at them and I don’t find that funny, entertaining, or even amusing.
I would hope that my family and friends would support me in boycotting this movie until something has changed.
August 4th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
The entertainment industry needs to understand its influence on society and act accordingly. It is not acceptable to make fun of race, sexual orientation or any other disability. Why is it still deemed acceptable to make fun of people with cognitive disabilities?
August 4th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Thanks Patricia for all your hard work to let people know about this ugly situation. Shame on Ben Stiller and DreamWorks. I’ve linked to you from my blog:
http://autisticbfh.blogspot.com/2008/08/simple-cruelty-tropic-thunder-and-r.html
August 4th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
As a proud disabled person, I agree with the suggestions listed in the main post for the meeting.
In the post that went out on JFA it says, “While the studio may claim this is all meant as comedic reference to Hollywood films that starred non-disabled actors in disabled roles (Forrest Gump, Rain Man, etc.), lots of folks aren’t laughing, including the 14.3 million Americans with cognitive disabilities, their friends, and families.”
If this is their defense as to why “Simple Jack” is even part of the plot/film, then they should be willing to commit to not make a single additional movie about a disabled character that is not played by a disabled person.
August 4th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I am the mother of a severely handicapped child. I work with special needs kids in the school system. I work hard to make sure that our special children get equal treatment. However, I think people take offense too much to others just being silly. If we can’t laugh at ourselves, then we will be miserable. So don’t take movies like this to heart, just know it’s people finding something, in these hard days, to laugh about. Laugh with them! You will find your life a little brighter!
You will find that if you can find humor in the hard things in life, others will feel more comfortable around you!
August 4th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Dear Mr. Stiller, DreamWorks writers and all who contributed to this movie,
How disrespectful and ignorant of such “highly praised” individuals in the entertainment industry to think that the word “retard” is not offensive to individuals with intellectual disabilities. I thought all the “bigwigs” in this industry would have the common knowledge that this word hurts so many but yet you could care less as long as it does well in the box office. Shame on you!
You are all COWARDS! I don’t know how you can look at your own children in the eyes and not be ashamed of all the hurt you’ve caused to thousands, no millions of human beings who either have an intellectual disability or love someone that does.
August 4th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Without having seen the movie, I can only think that the bullet-point suggestions received are indeed reasonable. The general public’s understanding and acceptance of retardation (or any disability) is at minimum a goal that is hard to achieve, and one that requires constant educational efforts. Occasionally, when we are lucky enough to get some positive media exposure, there is immediate wide-spread benefit with long-lasting effect. Negative, insensitive portrayals send us all backwards.
Thank you to the representatives of disabilities rights organizations for your efforts on this behalf. Thank you also to Paramount/DreamWorks representatives for any positive effort you may be able to make on behalf of those least able to understand and speak for themselves.
August 4th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Ben, Robert, and Jack should ALL be ashamed of themselves. What an insensitive film! My 12-year-old son will thankfully NEVER see “Tropic Thunder!”
August 4th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
It is sad enough that after the public was exposed to Autism Spectrum with “Rainman,” I had people asking what my son’s “savant” is. Now this. Did they consider “Once upon a time there was a Chinaman”? It would not be any less offensive.
I think DreamWorks should apologize for not recognizing the callousness of their choice of material, and drop a BIG charitable chunk of change into various causes. My choice of course would be Cure Autism Now but perhaps something more generic — Easter Seals or an organization that deals with more than the obvious disorders would be entirely appropriate.
Now should I hold my breath waiting for that to happen?
August 4th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Why in this day of political correctness, can we not give some dignity to persons with intellectual disabilities/handicaps. I prefer the producers rewrite some of this lingo.
August 4th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I am an adult with a disability. I am very disappointed in the choice that Ben Stiller made about making this kind of movie about people with disabilities. I really liked the movie ‘something about mary” which is a similar kind of thing. Actually in the other movie they did not use the word ‘retarded”. That word should not be used because it is rude & disrespectful. They should change the script or take it off the market or show an ad that doesn’t use that word & just says “disability.”
Sincerely,
Samuel Rees
August 4th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
As a proud parent of a child with Down syndrome and an advocate for children with disabilities in Georgia, I am completely sick with disappointment that a large studio could not have more of a heart! This continues to show us that we must advocate for change and understanding of how hurtful these things can be. Education is the key to helping those who are not impacted by disabilities understand how hurtful words can be. Obviously, they need some help in this area.
I just pray that they listen to the public and retract this hideous film and the language it uses! How are we ever going to be able to build acceptance in society when large studios continue to be irresponsible for the language they use and the people it hurts?
August 4th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Ben Stiller and Steven Spielberg should spend a day with a family with a person with intellectual disabilities if the family will accept them. Or if any person with an intellectual disability wants to spend a day with them.
Maybe then they wouldn’t find it so “funny” or think people with intellectual disabilities are “empty headed” and they will discover that going “full retard” is something completely different.
I say boycott the movie. Start picket lines. Burn all Ben Stiller movies. Never watch this guy again.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I think they should have a disclaimer that they are making fun of their industry and not persons with developmental disabilities, and they should also have a short film that goes with the movie that shows people with developmental disabilities doing some really great things — like my daughter with autism runs a beauty program and pageant for women with developmental disabilities, and I know a young man with autism who is studying to be a videographer. He videotaped our pageant, and is in the process of getting his GED so he can take courses in college.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
It amazes me how the word ‘Retard’ has become an acceptable insult garnering snickers and jeers from the person calling it and the person who is being called on…it is stupid to use the word ‘retarded’ to equal the word stupid. Definition is ‘slow to learn’ not stupid and my son who was born with Down syndrome does learn slowly, but he is far from stupid.
It’s a disappointment that this movie comes from Ben Stiller, a star of ‘There’s Something about Mary.’ Mary wouldn’t give a second look at any dude who her brother, who had an intellectual disability, didn’t like. Stiller and Jack Black, another actor I have been a huge fan of, both should have declined the scripts as written.
To laugh at the expense of a huge minority that has been marginalized from nasty institutions to now being aborted when prenatally detected is truly sad. People with disabilities have a civil rights movement, but the ACLU doesn’t take their cases. The media doesn’t cover the civil rights violations to people with disabilities.
My son has fought for every minute of acceptance in school, and is still marginalized by teachers and administrators and not even allowed to be the ‘water boy’ for his football team because of stereotypes like the ones this movie will perpetuate. Too bad the movie has to sink to such a low. The story line sounds like one I would have enjoyed seeing otherwise.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Holding a screening for representatives of national consumer-run disability organizations and parent groups before the 13th, and beginning the movie with a public service announcement promoting people first language, positive images, etc. is a beginning.
Mark
August 4th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Dear Mr. Stiller, Paramount, and DreamWorks,
Please delete all references to the words retard, imbecile, idiot, and moron. These terms are no longer used to refer to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. We realized long ago that they were demeaning and self-fulfilling.
I am completely appalled that in 2008, anyone would think this is humorous. I believe you all should apologize, and pay for funding an advocate to work on any projects regarding disabilities. In fact, you should produce a film portraying people with mental retardation as people and show what they are capable of, not poke fun of them.
It is really troubling that no one suggested this might be in bad taste and not funny long before the movie was made.
Make sure you take some time to visit with people of all intellectual abilities so you can put yourselves in their shoes. Then, see if you still think the jokes are funny.
If this movie is popular, does it prove the jokes are funny or that we as a society have fallen to new levels? Please help, not hurt the movement to appreciate every human being for all he or she can do.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I believe they should change their language in this movie because they don’t realize that this kind of language is very hurtful to people, including people with disabilities. It is very sad that they think that these words are acceptable. But really, it is not acceptable at all because words can hurt people and it is the same as physically attacking the person.
I am sick and tired of Hollywood and the media using the “R” word and making a joke about it. It is as bad as saying the “N” word. I am also sick and tired of them using the “N” word and making a joke about the color of their skin and thinking that it is acceptable in the hip hop industries. These are NOT jokes nor acceptable at all when people, like myself, are very hurt by being called a r***** and a n*****.
I am so happy that the disabled community is taking an stand against it and the people who made the movie are responding to it. I hope that they are changing the language that already hurts a lot of people. All we need to do is to advocate by ceasing the using of the “R” word and the “N” word, and being tolerant toward each other and loving one another.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
My husband and our 13-year-old son and I worked as security for the Special Olympics in Arlington, Texas, last year and we enjoyed that more than anything in this world. These people are not retards. They are people with special needs who have more love to share than any of us ever will. My 13-year-old-son cried when we had to leave. That is how much he was touched. If my husband’s health had allowed we would have gone back again this year.
Sounds to me like Mr. Stiller and all the others involved in that movie need to step back and take a look at themselves. I won’t be watching that movie. I watched over adults, teens, adolescents, toddlers and babies at the Olympics. You know we all could have had children with special needs. These folks really need to stop and think. God bless those who are letting Mr. Stiller know how we all feel.
Debbie Moles in Texas
August 4th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Pat,
As an organization of advocates we find this scene to be horrifying. This type of media does its best to erase and push back all of the hard work that self-advocates, parents, family and friends do to educate the general public against stereotypes. Not to mention the emotional hurt this has on people with disabilities and their loved ones.
You do not have to be an advocate to realize how damaging a scene like this is — you just need to be human. We are forwarding this on to our mailing list and assisting some local self-advocates in writing letters to our local newspapers about this outrage.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
We have much work to do in the area of all disabilities. I too am concerned about the catch phrase taking off like wildfire, and our teens finding it funny or cool … what a sad day.
We are pretty late in the game for this film, but hopefully the concerns and outpouring of disagreement will help in future films.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Even before I had a child with Down Syndrome/Autism I knew better than to use certain words. Words like “retard” are offensive and I would never use them, allow any of my children to use them, or accept that kind of language in a conversation in which I participate.
Now that I have a child with Down Syndrome/Autism I am even more aware of how these words are used to divide. Apparently some people think these words are funny, but I doubt it is any of the people whom these words reference or their friends or families. In fact, this kind of language is insulting and divisive, and believe me we live so far divided from others already that our lives are often solitary and lonely.
We don’t need mainstream media encouraging this kind of junior high school antics. Junior high school sucked for most of us when we were there. How about leaving it behind where it belongs?
August 4th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Dear Pat,
Thnak you so much for bringing this to our attention. I have sent your information to my e-mail list. In Mississippi, we are trying so hard to bring public awareness about disabilities. This type of media just keeps pushing us back. Every time I can, I give the people using the R-word a copy of Theresa Howard’s article “A mother’s view of a word that wounds: ‘Retard’ from USA Today.
This is a great article to read and use. I am in the process of sending it to one of our state legislators. She introduced a bill to change the name of a department of the mental health buidling (The Juvenile Rehabilatation Center) because it was offensive to “the autistic and retarded children” she saw there.
We have so much work to do in the area of all disabilities.
Thanks again.
Mandy Rogers
Parents United Together
August 4th, 2008 at 11:46 am
As a parent of a young man with Down syndrome and a special education teacher, I am offended when I hear people using the word retard in a lighthearted or any manner. I generally go up to such people individually, identify myself as above, and politely let them know that what they said is offensive to many people. This usually embarrasses most people and I hope makes an impression they don’t forget.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Yes, it is prevalent.
I watched two kids call each other retards in “Speed Racer,” a Warner Brothers kid picture — fun — with my son with Down syndrome. What about that movie. I hope they delete that scene before it goes to DVD. It was totally unnecessary!
Tropic Thunder — I guess it takes a Thunderstorm to wake up the writers and producers now on how offensive this word is and how it endorses and promotes handicapism (akin to racism). It’s not funny any more.
At this point, it may be too late to do anything about the movie release. But who knows — maybe the meeting will help. It appears that Warner Brothers and Paramount really don’t care. And — have mentioned this to our leaders in the past who tell me that studios exec don’t care. When Sherry Lansing was at the helm she deleted the R word out of Andre! She cared. We wrote a letter! I guess if someone called an exec or producer the ‘R’ word during an acceptance speech at the Oscars — just blurted it out — then they might truly feel how hurtful, lowclass and poor form it is.
Our only hope maybe to ask that R words get edit/looped out of these movies before movie goes DVD.
And Ben Stiller should know better – he’s done movies with special needs situations.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Because the release date is so close, I feel that a plan like what Larry suggests is the way to approach this now.
Also pushing for changes in the promotional materials and the last 4 suggestions that you list are good ideas to push for.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I still can’t believe how in this day and age there are individuals that still accept the connection that the word “retard” has just to get a laugh for a buck. When in fact this word has caused so much hurt and tears in silence.
If we don’t keep speaking up for those we dearly care about who will? It’s not a matter of being sensitive. It’s a matter of principle. It may be okay to some but what about those who can’t speak up? It’s NOT okay!
August 4th, 2008 at 11:29 am
This sounds like segregation. Like going backward. Like calling blacks n…..
Could they do that in a movie and get away with it? Maybe we should form picket lines in front of every theater that shows this movie.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I think it is possible to make changes by making a loud noise. I hear the “R” word being used all over the place by all sorts of otherwise intelligent and thoughtful people. I think they have just not been told that it is offensive to our population.
The same was once true of the “N” word, which I may still hear on occasion but not like I used to hear it before the population offended by it made a lot of noise. I remember hearing the “R” word used by young children in the movie “Andre” and an otherwise lovely family movie was ruined for me. This has been going on for way too long by the Hollywood studios and it needs to stop now.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:14 am
I completely agree with Mark! There are actors and comedians I no longer support. I am glad to see so much is finally getting stirred up about the “R” word — way overdue — but I am glad it is now being brought to light. I will not be seeing this movie and am glad I was forewarned.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I’m glad to hear there are efforts being made to enlighten the movie industry.
On a personal note — I am ready to move forward with a nation-wide campaign to educate everyone on the inappropriate use of several words. As a parent of a 16-year-old with Tourette Syndrome, I get very tired of hearing jokes made about that disability. I am also amazed at the use of the “R” word. I am constantly asking individuals to not use that word. I hear store clerks use it, non-special education colleagues, and especially teens. I’m ready to write letters to editors in local papers to try and educate others on this topic. Does anyone have some good references to help get the word out at the grass roots level?
Thanks.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Since our daughter was born with Down syndrome, I have found myself turning off the TV, throwing away DVDs, and having awkward discussions with good friends because of the use of the “R” word. Because the “R” word is so prevalent in our culture, most do not consider it a slur until they realize how it is used to ridicule my daughter and other fellow members of our society who happen to have Intellectual Disability (ID).
DreamWorks’ film “Tropic Thunder” will only further the use of the “R” word, with one commenter rightly concerned that a particular wording may even become a “catch phrase.” It is incumbent on DreamWorks to be socially responsible and support countermeasures.
The post lists several good options. One other would be for DreamWorks to fund a PSA campaign entitled:
The “R” word is “Ridiculous.”
If we could just catch ourselves, and substitute “ridiculous” when we were going to say the “R” word, my daughter and others will come home from school or their jobs or their friends’ houses with one less thing to be in tears over.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Listen to what Stacey Snider of DreamWorks said in the NY Times:
I am unimpressed with a logic that says a person’s celebrity makes it okay for them to say whatever they like. Especially when that logic is being used at a major media studio.
And as for Ben Stiller saying the point of this movie is about actors and the acting industry, the point of all of this is not the point of the movie — it’s about the movie’s effect on disability-unaware people who will borrow its humor and use it in harmful ways on folks who don’t deserve it.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:04 am
While I understand the thought process behind getting offended I still can’t help but think that as a nation we are way too sensitive. I have a son who could be labeled “retarded” but do not feel offense when someone says the word. It is simply a word and I have way bigger issues to deal with than outdated words being used by people. As for the stereotyping…it will never go away. It is the way of the world. I think time would be better spent raising up those who are disabled instead of fighting over worlds and stereotypes.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:18 am
I blogged about this issue over at DisabilityNation on Sunday. Honestly, as you point out, the marketing machine is in full gear and prints of the movie are surely finished and ready to go to theaters across the country. So, as much as I’d like the studio to revamp the film and remove harmful content, the fact is that we’re likely too late for that. Therefore, I think we need to move toward a plan through which we can educate the general public about intellectual disabilities and, in so doing, hopefully secure the assistance of the film studios.
One suggestion might be asking theaters, at the urging of the studio, to run a public service announcement promoting awareness of intellectual disabilities. The announcement could list organizations that provide support and services to people with intellectual disabilities.
Second, distributing information in print format at theaters around the country with resources and accurate information about disability could work.
I truly believe that meeting with the studio can only help both now and in the future. However, I think that our efforts need to be focused on public education as it is late in the game.
August 4th, 2008 at 6:44 am
It’s difficult to give complete suggestions without seeing the movie, but here are a few:
1) Remove the scene with the “never go full retard” line. At the very least take out the snappy one-liner about “full retard” — I fear it will spread like wildfire through the teenage set.
2) Remove the “Once there was a retard” line from the movie-within-a movie promotional materials.
3) Even if you refuse to change the movie, please try to limit the price my child pays for your success. At the very least review all promotional materials and clips — I don’t want to have to see and hear offensive material every time a talk show comes on, a commercial, an ad running “on Demand” while I’m trying to select a Barney show.
August 4th, 2008 at 5:59 am
I am happy to see that many national disability groups are planning to work together to confront DreamWorks over this terrible movie. This could be a historic meeting and I hope that our representatives present a united front and speak for the larger community of people touched by disabilities.